News

Disaster bus driver ‘ignored’ diversion

Published

11 years ago

February 6, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Bus stranded in Newgale.

Ten people have been rescued after the bus they were travelling on was hit by a large wave in Newgale.

Milford Haven Coastguard was contacted just after 7pm this evening with reports that the bus was stuck on the seafront, having been hit by a large wave and was surrounded by water. The wind at the time was gusting over 50mph.

Broadhaven and St. Davids Coastguard Rescue Teams, HM Coastguard’s Sector Manager for Preseli, along with police, fire and ambulance crews were sent to the scene. The RAF search and rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor was also asked to assist, but was stood down once the passengers were helped to safety by rescue units on scene. There are no reported injuries.

UPDATE:

Pembrokeshire County Council have confirmed to The Herald that their own enquiries have now confirmed that the road was in the process of being closed and that signage was being erected at Pen-y-Cwm, north of Newgale moments before a bus was swept off the road by a 20ft wave. However, the Council has also confirmed it’s operatives at Pen-y-Cwm were already directing traffic to use an alternative safe route avoiding the Newgale road.

The Council told The Herald that: “the bus driver was informed of the situation at Newgale and that the alternative route should be followed. However, the driver chose to continue his journey along the main road.”

A Council operative followed the bus in his own car equipped with a flashing orange beacon on the roof. He was also flashing his headlights in an attempt the stop the bus but was unsuccessful.

A council spokesman told The Herald: “A member of the public on the bridge at the bottom Pen-y-Cwm Hill also tried to flag the bus down with a torch but he too was unsuccessful. The Council has provided information to the Police in relation to their investigation into the incident.”

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.