News

Volunteers wanted to monitor quality of policing

Published

10 years ago

October 5, 2016

Police THE POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER for Dyfed-Powys Police is looking for volunteers to join him on a panel set up to scrutinise the quality of policing.

They would form the Quality Assurance Panel, which Dafydd Llywelyn is setting up to scrutinise police contact with the public through complaints and how police handle phone calls through the 999 and 101 numbers at the Force Communications Centre.

Volunteers must be over 18, live in the Dyfed-Powys force area and must not be, or have been, a police employee.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Llywelyn, said: “I’m looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic about helping us improve policing in Dyfed-Powys. Someone who has an inquiring mind and analytical skills would be ideal.

“I’m keen to have members of the public as part of the panel to help build trust between the public and Dyfed-Powys Police. It will ensure we are communicating with and helping the people we serve as efficiently and supportively as we should be.”

A selection of complaint files and phone calls will be selected for the panel to examine and consider on the basis of fairness, timeliness and ease of understanding.

The panel will feed back their views directly to the Commissioner, the Head of Professional Standards Department and the Public Service Bureau Manager, who will be asked to formally respond to the issues the identified.

Inspector Steve Thomas, of the Force’s Communications Centre, said: “Involving the Quality Assurance Panel in this process ensures transparency, and gives that extra level of scrutiny and democratic oversight of the service we’re providing.

“It will enable us to receive public feedback on a regular basis about the job we do. It will provide the public with a voice on the way we take calls, and help us to maintain high standards in managing risk and vulnerability at the public’s point of contact with the Police.”

For more information about the role and to find out how to apply visit the Commissioner’s website at http://www.dyfedpowys-pcc.org.uk/en/work-with-me/volunteer/qualityassurance-panel/.

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

4 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

4 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.