Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Dyfed-Powys Police warns public over ‘scary clowns’

Published

on

scary-clownA RECENT craze on social media whereby reports of ‘scary clowns’ have been circulated has prompted Dyfed-Powys Police to remind people to be mindful of their actions if they choose to dress up as a clown.

Their statement follows 30 reports of clown sightings and incidents in the Dyfed-Powys region this weekend (Oct 7-9).

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson has said: “Dressing as a clown is not an offence, but deliberately scaring someone, causing harassment, alarm or distress could lead to arrest. There is also the possibility that you could attempt to scare the wrong person and they could retaliate.

“Please be mindful that what seems like a bit of fun to you, could not be seen the same way by those on the receiving end of this prank.

“Anyone who commits a criminal offence should be aware that dressing as a clown does not make them exempt from being investigated and dealt with through the Criminal Justice System.”

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Tomos

    October 11, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    Maybe Dyfed Powys Police should start investigating alleged criminals even if they are friends or aquaintances down the Lodge and stop telling ppl what to wear ?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Education

More Pembrokeshire schools championing going mobile phone free

Published

on

SCHOOLS in Pembrokeshire are leading the way in reducing issues with mobile phones with the Council among the first in Wales to develop a policy to support it.

The rationale behind the policy is the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones and devices that presents significant challenges to how pupils behave and learn in school settings.

Increasingly, there is mounting evidence suggesting that the unchecked use of mobile phones in schools is having a detrimental impact on pupils’ mental health and academic progress, while also draining the energy of school staff who must manage resulting problems.

As well as distraction by normal messaging there are the risks of bullying, sexting or sharing inappropriate chats and images.

Education officers set up a Local Authority and Schools working group to develop guidance on removing mobile phones during the school day following the success Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi had when it was introduced last year.

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Milford Haven School, Haverfordwest High, Pembroke Dock Community School and Gelliswick VC Primary School were involved in the group which has developed mobile phones guidance for schools to introduce this academic year.

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher Michele Thomas said: “Establishing good habits in primary school to be mobile free supports the transition into secondary schools with the same policy. 

“Nearly all Pembrokeshire schools prohibit the use of mobile phones during the school day, which has helped learners have a clearer focus on their work and reduces distractions.  In addition the policy reduces the risk of any inappropriate use.  The policy has been working well and will have long term benefits all round.” 

Rachel Thomas, Headteacher of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi added: “The prohibited use of mobile phones and storage of them during lesson time has changed our entire school community’s safeguarding, wellbeing and learning environment completely.

“My latest mantra is that we live in a society where children are banned from playing conkers but are allowed mobile phones and online devices which put their safeguarding, wellbeing and childhood at risk.”

Funds have also been allocated to support schools with the logistics of removing phones, such as storage facilities, and all secondary schools are now implementing or are planning to introduce the policy guidance this year.

Sean Thomas, Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour, Culture and Ethos at Milford Haven School said: “As a school, we anticipated this policy being challenging to implement, at least for the first few weeks. However, the pupils, staff and parents have bought into it fantastically, it has been a huge success. 

“Pupils and staff have all commented on an increased focus during lessons, less distractions and a calmer environment.”

The Prefect Team, Communications Team and Headteacher collaborated to create a fun and informative video for social media, addressing concerns about the new mobile phone policy after the pupil voice session to ensure pupils felt heard and informed about the changes ahead. 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=8392736097461562
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2163212714061878

Headteacher Ceri-Ann Morris added: “I am extremely proud of how our pupils have embraced this positive change. Listening to our pupil voice prior to implementing the new policy has been instrumental in its success as their input and cooperation have helped shape a smoother, more positive transition for everyone.

“The Prefect Team did a wonderful job addressing concerns from our pupil voice in a fantastic video that was released to parents and pupils prior to the new policy being in place. We have seen tremendous positive impact in classrooms as pupils are more focused and an increase in social interactions at break. The feedback from staff, parents, and pupils has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “Our schools are leading the way in improving safety and learning for their learners, this mobile phone policy supports them in this work to protect young people.

“‘I’d like to thank all those involved in developing and implementing this new and effective policy.”

Continue Reading

Business

Why there will be regular flights from Wales to a little-known Chinese city

Published

on

CARDIFF Airport has launched a new flight route with thrice-weekly services to Ürümqi, an expanding city in northwestern China with a population of around four million. Though little known in Wales, Ürümqi has a complex history, highlighted in 2009 when it gained international attention due to ethnic tensions. Now, Cardiff and Ürümqi are linked as strategic cargo hubs, set to speed up deliveries and bolster Welsh businesses seeking export opportunities, including those in Pembrokeshire.

The new route, operated by European Cargo, offers a chance for Welsh exporters to reach China more swiftly. Speculatively, if fishermen in Milford Haven could ship Pembrokeshire crab to China while still fresh, it could open a lucrative market.

UK-based freighter operator European Cargo has chosen Cardiff International Airport as its latest base, launching the service to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport with initial plans for three flights weekly and a possible fourth soon. The airline’s specialized A340-600 converted freighters, designed for high-capacity loads, will transport e-commerce and other cargo directly from Wales to China.

Ürümqi – The city has a bigger population than Wales but you probably never heard of it

Jason Holt, CEO of European Cargo, described the expansion as a natural progression: “As we continue to grow outward from Bournemouth, Wales offers a prime location for investment. Cardiff Airport’s 24-hour operations and excellent motorway access make it ideal for our logistics network.”

The move has garnered praise from Welsh trade groups. Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Trade, Customs, and Borders, Josh Fenton, called the flights “fantastic news,” highlighting the route’s potential to boost trade links for Welsh businesses. “This service showcases Cardiff Airport’s potential as a freight hub, and we look forward to seeing more routes connecting Wales globally,” he said.

Cardiff Airport has been struggling post-Covid. Qatar has still not returned, but its now on the up (Image: File)

With Cardiff now serving as European Cargo’s second UK base, after Bournemouth, the airline’s Cardiff operations join routes to Chinese cities like Chengdu, Haikou, and Ürümqi. The airline’s A340 fleet, suited for high-volume loads with a 76-tonne payload capacity, is poised to meet the growing demand for e-commerce transport to and from China.

Cardiff Airport CEO Spencer Birns echoed the optimism surrounding the new route. “This investment reflects the high-quality facilities and committed teams we have here. Cardiff is well-positioned to support large-scale cargo operations,” he said.

Looking to the future, Fenton emphasized the need for continued governmental backing. “Logistics is central to Welsh economic growth. We urge the Welsh government to publish the Welsh Freight and Logistics Plan and appoint a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain,” he stated.

With the addition of this route, Cardiff is set to play a significant role in bridging Wales and China, fostering global trade links essential in today’s interconnected economy.

Continue Reading

Business

Original Factory Shop to close Haverfordwest branch in December

Published

on

THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP in Haverfordwest has announced it will close its doors on December 14, 2024. This news has left many saddened, with heartfelt tributes pouring in to celebrate the store’s role in the community and the people who made it special.

In a recent social media post, the management of The Original Factory Shop shared their gratitude for the community’s support, stating: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Haverfordwest.” The announcement marks the end of an era for a store that has been part of the town’s retail landscape for many years.

Among those reflecting on the closure is Nigel Shinner, a former employee whose journey with The Original Factory Shop began in Haverfordwest. Nigel shared his experience on social media, reminiscing about his time with the store and how it became a meaningful part of his life and career:

“I know there are sadder things happening in the world today, but this makes me sad. This was my point of entry into The Original Factory Shop family. I joined as just a weekender, while I was raising my kids, but it wasn’t long before I became a supervisor and farmed out to help at other stores. I really stepped up a notch when my life took a turn, and I became Head Office staff and part of the new store merchandising team, often working ten-hour days, unloading wagons, building equipment, dressing stores, and training staff. That job took me far and wide, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, from east coast to west, and to many locations across the home nations.”

Local customers also expressed their sadness at the upcoming closure, with comments pouring in on social media. Long-time shopper Julie Parry wrote, “I will be so sad to see this lovely little shop going. Always such friendly, helpful staff. Good luck, ladies, in whatever work you do next.” Another customer, Lyndsey Gould, shared fond memories of shopping at the store, saying, “Awww, such a shame you’re closing. Will miss getting my balloons from you guys.”

The closure of The Original Factory Shop marks another loss for Haverfordwest’s local shopping scene, which has seen several changes in recent years. The community now prepares to say goodbye to a much-loved establishment, with the store welcoming customers for a final visit until December 14.

For those wishing to express their farewells, the store remains open for one last month, inviting the community to visit, reminisce, and say goodbye to the team that has been a part of their shopping experience for years.

Continue Reading

News1 day ago

Large fire at Bramble Hall Farm – Arson suspected

FIREFIGHTERS have brought a large blaze under control at Bramble Hall Farm in Pembroke Dock. The fire broke out in...

News1 day ago

Fire strikes popular Pembrokeshire pub – no staff or customers hurt

A FIRE broke out at The Bristol Trader pub on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, today (Wednesday, Nov 6), impacting two floors...

News2 days ago

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum updates Pembrokeshire Marine Code

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has introduced key updates to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, following a comprehensive review with stakeholders and...

News2 days ago

Blaze at Bristol Trader: Emergency services close Quay Street

FIRE crews have been deployed to Quay Street, Haverfordwest, after a blaze broke out at the popular Bristol Trader pub....

Crime3 days ago

Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident

RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his...

News4 days ago

Motorcyclist dies after collision on A40 near Canaston Bridge

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred around 11:15pm on Friday (Nov 1) on the A40, just...

Community4 days ago

Pembroke man born in prison after mum’s wrongful conviction battles aggressive cancer

BETHAN CARTER-HEWINS has spoken to The Pembrokeshire Herald about the her husband’s Josh’s desperate fight to conquer a very rare...

News6 days ago

Missing photographer Chris Ellery safe in Ireland after two-day ordeal

A KEEN photographer from Bristol, Chris Ellery, has made a miraculous landing in Ireland after his small boat broke down...

Crime7 days ago

Pembrokeshire man admits ‘overstepping’ in stalking case

A HAVERFORDWEST man acknowledged he ‘overstepped’ following charges of home burglary and stalking. Spencer Lepetit, aged 35 and residing in...

News7 days ago

Police confirm man found dead in Clarbeston Road property

A MAN has been found dead at a property in Clarbeston Road on Friday (Nov 1). Dyfed-Powys Police were called...

Popular This Week