News

Lions to take pride of place

Published

12 years ago

March 10, 2014

FOLLY FARM Is bringing a pride of African Lions to Pembrokeshire this Summer in a £500,000 purpose built enclosure.

The species, which is currently classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, will be a flagship exhibit for Folly Farm’s conservation work, highlighting the work the attraction does with UK charity Wildlife Vets International. Work begins this week on the enclosure and will open to the public before the Summer holidays.

Councillor David Pugh, Cabinet Member for Economy Tourism and Communities broke the ground for the new enclosure at Folly Farm today;

“This is fantastic news for our county. Folly Farm has a strong track record of reinvestment and this project is another example of why they are one of the leading tourist attractions, not just in Pembrokeshire, but in Wales.”

Tim Morphew, Zoo Manager at Folly Farm, explained the decision to make Lions the next big attraction at Folly Farm; “We always listen to feedback from our visitors and we’re constantly being asked for big cats. Lions are the most majestic of the big cats and they are an iconic species for our conservation work.

“Working with Wildlife Vets International we will use the exhibit to raise awareness of, and fundraise for, their big cat projects in the wild.”

Zoë Wright, Folly Farm’s Head of Marketing, added; “We have a tough act to follow after the launch of Penguin Coast last year which saw us achieve our best ever year in terms of visitor numbers. Lions will be a huge draw and should see us extend our day visitor market across the border into England.”

The Pride of Pembrokeshire project will create two zoo keeper positions and cements Folly Farm’s growing reputation within the zoo community where it is recognised for its conservation and education work. The enclosure occupies an acre of land in the centre of Folly Farm’s zoo. The enclosure’s main features include large glass viewing areas for the public on the perimeter and into the Lion house. The Lion house has four sleeping quarters plus five undercover separation yards and a designated zoo kitchen. Within the outside area there are a series of elevated platforms for the lions to lounge on.

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

4 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

6 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.