News
Health Board encourages lower alcohol consumption
LOCAL health professionals are encouraging people to think about how much alcohol they drink a week, and advising on the best ways to cut down or give up the booze this January.
Whether you’re giving up alcohol for the month by taking part in Dry January or Dryathalon, or simply looking at the number of units you consume, there is plenty of support and help available.
The challenge to stop drinking for one month can help people to feel healthier, lose weight, sleep better and save money but cutting down on alcohol longer term can provide lasting health and wealth benefits.
On average, 38% (Carmarthenshire 38%, Ceredigion 39%, Pembrokeshire 37%) of adults living in Hywel Dda have reported drinking above guidelines on at least one day in the past week, and 21% (Carmarthenshire 22%, Ceredigion 22%, Pembrokeshire 20%) have reported binge-drinking on at least one day in the past week.
Alcohol is a major preventable cause of death and illness with around 1,500 deaths in Wales related to alcohol each year. Alcohol can also have a major negative impact on our communities; alcohol fuelled crime, domestic violence, vandalism and anti social behaviour can lead to unemployment, loss of driving licence and higher car insurance costs.
Rhys Sinnett, Principal Public Health Practitioner for Hywel Dda Public Health Team said: “Whilst most people enjoy a tipple from time to time, many are not aware of the health impacts of consistently drinking over the weekly recommended limits.
“It’s a lot easier than people think to develop a habit of using alcohol as a means of reducing stress or as a reward. One glass can sometimes turn into two or three and if that happens regularly you could be putting your health at risk.
“The good news is that there are lots of ways you can cut back on alcohol, without cutting it out. Look at the number of units in what you are drinking, stick to the weekly sensible guidelines and have at least two alcohol free days a week.
“And if you are taking part in an alcohol free January, enjoy the benefits you’ll find to your health and wellbeing.”
If you are concerned about your level of alcohol consumption or someone else’s, help and advice is available from the Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 0808 808 2232.
Climate
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum project endorsed as UN Ocean Decade Activity
Climate adaptation toolkit joins global sustainability programme
PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has announced that its Climate Adaptation Toolkit for Coastal Communities has been officially endorsed as a United Nations Ocean Decade Activity, recognising the project’s contribution to international efforts to build a more sustainable relationship with the world’s oceans.
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, brings together organisations across the globe to generate and share knowledge that can support resilient and sustainable coastal futures. Endorsed activities contribute to one or more of the Decade’s ten scientific and societal challenges.
PCF’s Climate Adaptation Toolkit is designed to help coastal communities prepare for the realities of climate change. The project provides accessible information, guidance and learning materials for local authorities, educators and community groups as they plan for coastal erosion, flooding, sea-level rise and other long-term environmental pressures.
Running from December 2025 to March 2026, the project will use online learning resources, case studies and engagement sessions to increase understanding of how climate change is already affecting the coastline, and what practical steps communities can take to adapt.
Jetske Germing, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, said: “We’re honoured that the Climate Adaptation Toolkit has been recognised as part of the United Nations Ocean Decade. This endorsement highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in tackling coastal challenges, and reflects our ongoing commitment to building resilient, sustainable coastal communities.”
The endorsement places the toolkit within an international network of projects working towards the UN Decade’s vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want”.
PCF’s involvement adds to Wales’ growing profile in the field of coastal sustainability. The organisation’s wider programme of work includes Marine Renewable Energy, Sustainable Recreation, Education and Skills, Water Quality, and Land Use — all centred on its vision of a sustainable coast and ocean for future generations.
Further information about the UN Ocean Decade can be found on the initiative’s website.
Crime
Youth given conditional discharge for smashing pub windows
A TEENAGER has been handed a conditional discharge after admitting damaging windows at a Pembroke pub last year.
A 17-year-old boy from Pembroke Dock, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 13).
The court heard that on April 10, 2024, he damaged several windows at a premises owned by Marston’s PLC, causing £1,002 worth of damage.
He received a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £500 compensation. Magistrates made no order for costs, noting that compensation should take priority.
Crime
Milford Haven man fined for failing to attend drugs assessment
A MILFORD HAVEN man has been fined after admitting failing to attend an initial assessment following a positive Class A drug test.
Mark Brummitt, 45, of Robert Street, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 13).
The offence took place on September 4 at Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Services in Haverfordwest, where Brummitt failed to attend the required appointment.
He pleaded guilty and was fined £80, with £85 prosecution costs. Magistrates took the guilty plea into account.
-
Crime3 days agoTwo arrested after woman rescued from Main Street building in Pembroke
-
Crime6 days agoOne man detained and one on the run after high-speed police chase ends in crash
-
Crime6 days agoThree charged with murder of child killer Kyle Bevan
-
Crime3 days agoTwo arrested after late-night assault in Milford Haven
-
Crime4 days agoPolice close Charles Street following serious late night incident
-
Crime3 days agoNeyland man in custody after late-night assault in Milford Haven
-
Crime3 days agoTwo women rescued from water at Milford Marina
-
Crime1 day agoPembrokeshire boxer faces Crown Court trial over serious assault







lindsey haley
October 8, 2025 at 9:09 pm
I love the structure of your explanation. Experience cricket live scores — instant wickets, boundaries, and milestones. Clean layout with squads, points, and head‑to‑head. score worms and Manhattan charts, player stats and strike‑rates, tables, fixtures, and squads. Follow multiple matches with smooth switching.