News

Live weather updates across Pembrokeshire

Published

8 years ago

October 16, 2017

WINDS of up to 80mph are expected to batter Pembrokeshire and cause ‘significant impact’ as Storm Ophelia hits later today (Oct 16).

7pm – Cleddau Bridge open to cars

It is still closed to high-sided vehicles.

6:01pm – Lock gate floating in Milford Haven Port

“As a result of the severe weather today – with winds gusting up to 87mph at the entrance to the Port – we have suffered some infrastructure damage to one of the lock gates in Milford Marina. One of the mitre gates, which are the first gates you come to when entering the lock at Milford Marina, has broken off its hinges and is currently floating in the lock. As soon as the weather improves we will be making efforts to secure it.”

5:31pm – Warning to stay away from Newgale

Authorities have asked that people do not attempt to walk or drive through Newgale.

5:22pm – Reports of heavy traffic at Carew

Expect long delays as traffic is diverted from the Cleddau Bridge.

5:01pm – Trees down and power cuts across county

Tree down in road near Picton Castle towards Millin
Tree down llanycefn between Nant y Cwn School & Five ways junction
Tree down in road between Hasguard Cross and Talbenny near Greenacres
Trees down on road through Stackpole Woods
Western Power showing 9 power ‘incidents’ in Pembs & 341 properties affected

4:40pm – Newgale closed

A487 expected to be closed at Newgale for some time due to water and shingle on the road. High tide not due for another 30 minutes.

The trees that were down on the A487 between Mathry and Square and Compass and another near Castlemorris Feeds between Letterston and Castlemorris have been cleared so the Newgale diversion route is currently clear.

Western Power showing five power ‘incidents’ in Pembrokeshire and 371 properties affected.

Trees down in the following locations:

• Stokes Avenue, Haverfordwest
• Rhoose Ferry Road, Burton
• tree partially blocking road at Castle Lane, Carew.

3:40pm – Reports of tiles flying off roofs

Reported cases in Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Tenby and Neyland.

3:10pm – Update from Pembrokeshire County Council

Cleddau Bridge now closed to all traffic. Road crews at Carew Bridge to assist diverted traffic.

Western Power showing 4 power ‘incidents’ in Pembs with a total of 600 properties affected.

Power line blocking road between Sardis and Hill Mountain. Road closure requested by police. Western power en route

Tree down (not on road) at Honeyborough Green, Neyland
Tree down blocking pathway at the Millpond, Pembroke
Tree down blocking road outside Herbranston Haall, Herbranston
Tree down on road between Strumble Head and Goodwick, exact location unconfirmed
Tree partially blocking road between Crundale & Clarbeston road
Tree blocking road at Milletts Hill, Cosheston
Tree blocking road Spittal Tunnel towards Spittal
Tree blocking road in Rectory Road, Llangwm
Tree down blocking both lanes of the A487 St Davids – Fishguard road between Mathry and square & Compass
Tree down blocking minor road near junction with B4313 at Brynconin, Llandissilio
Tree down Scarrowscant Lane, Haverfordwest (not on road)
Tree down B4374 between Princess Gate and Tavernspite

Large section of roof from a 3 storey building at Ocean drive, Pennar

Tiles being blown off buildings in Nelson Street, Pennar, also Stranraer Road and Gays Lane Pennar

All Day Centres and Social Activity Centres closed.

All schools in Pembrokeshire closed.

The high tide this afternoon is approx. 16:50. Flood warnings are in place for the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Flood gates at Little Haven have been closed.
Crews will be monitoring Newgale where there is concern about water penetrating the shingle bank and possibly throwing pebbles onto the road.

Other beaches also being monitored.

Reports of numerous Portugese Men of War washed up on beaches in the South of the County – public advised not to touch.

2:30pm – Cleddau Bridge closed to ALL vehicles

Avoid area if possible.

2:22pm – Update from Pembrokeshire County Council

Approx 200 properties without power in the Eglwyswrw area, including the school which has had to close.

Tree partially blocking road between Crundale & Clarbeston road
Tree blocking road at Milletts Hill, Cosheston
Tree blocking road Spittal Tunnel towards Spittal
Tree down blocking both lanes of the A487 St Davids – Fishguard road between Mathry and square & Compass
One tree down blocking minor road near junction with B4313 at Brynconin, Llandissilio
Tree down Scarrowscant Lane, Haverfordwest (not on road)
Tree down B4374 between Princess Gate and Tavernspite
Tiles being blown off buildings in Nelson Street, Pennar

All Day Centres and Social Activity Centres closed.

All schools in Pembrokeshire closed.

Cleddau Bridge now closed to high sided vehicles. Wind direction still from SSW & not likely to cause a full closure until it shifts more to the W. Road crews will be based at Carew Bridge to assist diverted traffic.

The high tide this afternoon is approx. 16:50. Flood warnings are in place for the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Flood gates at Little Haven have been closed.

Crews will be monitoring Newgale where there is concern about water penetrating the shingle bank and possibly throwing pebbles onto the road.

Other beaches also being monitored.

2:04pm – Pembrokeshire College closing early

Will re-open tomorrow as normal.

1:48pm – Trees down around county

Tree down Scarrowscant Lane, Haverfordwest (not on road)
Tree down partially blocking Hakin Bridge, Milford Haven
Tree down B4374 between Princess Gate and Tavernspite
Tree down Bower Hill between Hundleton and Monkton

1:40pm – Carew Castle closed

Scheduled to re-open tomorrow.

1:29pm – ALL Pembrokeshire schools now closing, Council say

“ALL Pembrokeshire Schools are now closing!

“School transport has been arranged for those pupils that require it.

“Please arrange to collect your child as soon as possible. Please note all children will be supervised until they are collected.”

1:07pm – More school closures
Ysgol Llanychllwydog – Gwaun Valley – closing at 1.30pm
Ysgol Hafan y Môr – closing at 2pm.

1:05pm – Milford Haven Town Council meeting cancelled

The meeting will now take place on a new date.

1pm – Tree down on Tavernspite road near Princes Gate

12:40pm – Cleddau Bridge advice from Pembrokeshire County Council

“To plan any journeys for the remainder of the day, the anticipated status of the bridge – given current information – is as follows:

bridge closed to high sided and potentially all vehicles from 1230 pm onwards today (Monday, 16^th October). This is highly dependent upon wind direction as well as wind speed An unusual situation could occur of the bridge being closed to all traffic without any intermediate closure to high sided vehicles.
any closure is expected to last until around 5 pm when the bridge may open again to cars only. Full opening of the bridge to all traffic is not expected until around 9 pm.
given that the disruption is likely to extend into the peak commuter time this evening, we advise road users to monitor the situation carefully and adjust travel plans accordingly.
the above information is based on current information and experience, provided to give maximum notice of possible disruption. However, the bridge status can change at any time, and no guarantees can be given.”

12:31pm – Overall update from Pembrokeshire County Council

“The current situation is as follows:

Approximately 200 properties without power in the Eglwyswrw area, including the school which has had to close.
one tree blocking minor road near junction with B4313 at Brynconin, Llandissilio
bench on Castle Hill, Tenby, dislodged by wind
Cleddau Bridge now closed to high sided vehicles. Anticipated that a full closure will follow. Road crews will be based at Carew Bridge to assist diverted traffic.

“Road users, especially HGV drivers, are advised to access South Pembrokeshire via Begelly to alleviate pressure at Carew Bridge.

“The high tide this afternoon is around 1650 hours and members of the public are warned to stay away from the coastline.

“Flood warnings are in place for the Pembrokeshire coast and the flood gates at Little Haven have been closed.

“Pembrokeshire County Council crews will be monitoring Newgale where there is concern about water penetrating the shingle bank and possibly throwing pebbles onto the road. Other beaches also being monitored.

“The following schools in Pembrokeshire are closing

Ysgol Preseli, Crymych
Milford Haven Comprehensive
Pembroke Comprehensive
Pupil Referral Units at Neyland and Penally
Portfield School, Haverfordwest
Greenhill Comprehensive, Tenby
Penrhyn (Stackpole)
Spittal Church in Wales
Sir Thomas Picton Comprehensive, Haverfordwest
Saundersfoot Primary
Milford Haven Junior
Meads Infant and Nursery, Milford Haven
Neyland Community
Tavernspite Primary
Eglwyswrw Primary
Templeton Primary
Ysgol y Frenni, Crymych
Ysgol Clydau, Tegryn
Ysgol Bro Gwaun
Tasker-Milward Comprehensive, Haverfordwest
Hook Primary
Ysgol Gymunedol, Maenclochog
Ysgol Gymunedol, Brynconin
Ysgol Dewi Sant

“Other schools currently reviewing transport arrangements, especially for exposed areas.”

12:20pm – Castle School to close

“As the weather is continuing to worsen we have made the decision to close the school this afternoon. The buses will leave at 1.30pm but you are welcome to pick up your child before if you wish.

“Staff will remain at school with pupils who cannot be collected until later. If you cannot arrive until later or you do not want your child to go on the bus please let us know by phoning reception.

“Apologies for the inconvenience but we have had to follow advice.”

12:08pm – More school closures
Saundersfoot Community Primary School – closing at 12.30pm
Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest – closing at 12.30pm
Spittal Church in Wales VC School – closing at 12.30pm.

12:06pm – Tavernspite Community School closing

“Tavernspite Community Primary School.

“Parents are asked to collect pupils as soon as possible.”

12:05pm – Power cut at Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Eglwyswrw

“Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Eglwyswrw -Temporary Power Outage.

“School transport has been called for those who use it. parents of other pupils are asked to collect them asap”

12:05pm – Templteton School closure

“Templeton Community Primary School.

“Parents are asked to collect pupils as soon as possible.”

11:50am – More schools to close early
Ysgol y Preseli – closing at 12pm
Ysgol Gymunedol Brynconin – Llandissilio – closing at 12pm
Ysgol Gymunedol Maenclochog – closing at 12pm
Hook Community Primary School – closing at 12pm
Stackpole Church in Wales VC School – closing at 12.30pm
Tasker Milward VC School – closing at 12.30pm
Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard – closing at 1pm
Ysgol Clydau, Tegryn – Closing at 12.30pm
Ysgol y Frenni, Crymych – closing at 12.30pm
The Meads Infant and Nursery School – Milford Haven – closing from 12.30pm

11:45am – Cleddau Bridge closed to high sided vehicles

10:26am – Golden Grove School remains open

“Just to keep you aware – Golden Grove School is remaining open today, despite the closure of Pembroke School. We will, however, be monitoring the situation closely and keep you updated.”

10:23am – Pembroke School closes early

“Due to the worsening weather conditions, Pembroke School will close for pupils from 11am this morning.

“Pupils will be permitted to leave from 11am. Hot food will be available if required from 11.00-11.30. School buses will arrive at 11.30am.

“It would be appreciated if parents do not arrive to collect pupils until 11am, at the end of period 2.

“School is expected to operate as a normal school day tomorrow”

10:12am – Milford Haven School closes early

“Dear Parent/Carer. Due to the Amber weather warning the school has made the decision to close at 11.45 today on the grounds of health and safety. School Transport will be available at 11.45 for pupils and parents are requested to collect pupils from the Main reception for pupils who would normally walk home. If it is not possible to collect your child please contact the school to give your permission for them to walk home. Thank you for your support.”

9:41am – Cleddau Bridge closures likely, council say

“Pembrokeshire is forecast to be hit by strong winds later today. It is anticipated that the bridge will be closed during this event, although it is impossible to give any guarantees.

“In order for you to plan any journeys for the remainder of the day our anticipated status of the bridge, given current information is as follows:

“Bridge closed to high sided and potentially all vehicles from 12:30pm onwards. This is highly dependent upon wind direction as well as wind speed, and we may experience the unusual situation of the bridge being closed to all traffic without any intermediate closure to high sided vehicles.

“Any closure is expected to last until around 17:00pm when the bridge may open again to cars only. Full opening of the bridge to all traffic is not expected until around 21:00pm.

“Given that the disruption is likely to extend into the peak commuter time this evening, you are advised to monitor the situation carefully, and adjust your travel plans accordingly.”

The Met Office has warned that there could be a danger to life due to flying debris in the high wind.

There could also be disruption to travel as roads could be flooded and fallen trees could cause obstruction.

The Cleddau Bridge may also close high-sided or all vehicles.

Those living by the coast have been told to stay away from the water to avoid risk of being blown or swept into the sea.

1,200 soldiers are on standby across the UK to respond to any significant incidents caused by the storm.

On Friday (Oct 12), the Port of Milford Haven issued a warning saying: “Please be advised that hurricane strength winds are forecast for Monday evening. All mooring holders are asked to make every effort to remove their vessels from moorings or alternatively ensure they are securely fastened to moorings on the waterway to minimise potential damage.”

Business

Welsh Govt shifts stance on business rates after pressure from S4C and Herald

Published

10 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Ministers release unexpected statement 48 hours after widespread concern highlighted in Welsh media

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a new package of tapered business rates relief for 2026-27, in a move that follows sustained pressure from Welsh media — including S4C Newyddion and The Pembrokeshire Herald — over the impact of revaluation on small businesses.

In Milford Haven, the hard-pressed pub sector is already feeling the impact: the annual bill for The Lord Kitchener is rising from £5,000 to £15,000, while rates at the Kimberley Public House have nearly doubled from £10,500 to £19,500. The Imperial Hall’s rates are increasing from £5,800 to £9,200, prompting director Lee Bridges to question why businesses “are being asked to pay more when we use less services”. In Haverfordwest, the annual rates bill for Eddie’s Nightclub is increasing from £57,000 to £61,500.

A written statement, issued suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, confirms that ministers will introduce a transitional “tapering mechanism” to soften steep increases for tourism, hospitality and small independent operators. Full details will be published with the draft Budget later this month.

The announcement comes less than two days after The Herald’s in-depth reporting brought forward direct concerns from Pembrokeshire business owners and councillors, highlighting the uncertainty facing one of Wales’ most important local industries.

Herald reporting credited by senior councillor

Pembrokeshire County Council Independent Group Leader Cllr Huw Carnhuan Murphy publicly thanked The Herald for pushing the issue into the spotlight.

In a statement shared on Wednesday, Cllr Murphy said: “Welcome news from Welsh Government. Thanks to Tom Sinclair for running this important item in the Herald in relation to the revaluation of businesses and the consequences it will have for many.

He added: “Newyddion S4C hefyd am redeg y stori pwysig yma ynghylch trethi busnes.,” which in English is “and thanks to S4C Newyddion as well for running this important story about business taxes.”

He added that the Independent Group “will always campaign to support our tourism and agriculture industry, on which so many residents rely within Pembrokeshire”.

Media spotlight increased pressure on Cardiff Bay

On Monday, ministers said business rates plans would be outlined “within the next two weeks”.
By Wednesday afternoon — following prominent coverage on S4C and continued pressure from The Herald — Welsh Government released an early written statement outlining new support.

Industry sources told The Herald they believed the level of public concern, amplified by the media, “forced the issue up the agenda much faster than expected”.

A cautious welcome for ‘better than nothing’

Cllr Murphy welcomed the partial support, though he stressed it fell short of what many businesses had hoped for.

“This isn’t the level of support many were hoping for,” he said, “but it is certainly much better than nothing.”

Draft Budget expected soon

The full tapered support scheme will be detailed in the Welsh Government draft Budget, expected within a fortnight.

Tourism and hospitality representatives have reserved final judgment until the figures are published, but many have expressed relief that some support will continue, following weeks of uncertainty.

Crime

Pembroke rape investigation dropped – one suspect now facing deportation

Published

14 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have closed an investigation into an alleged rape and false imprisonment in Pembroke after deciding to take no further action. One of the two men originally arrested is now in immigration detention and faces deportation.

The incident took place on Main Street over the weekend of 8–9 November 2025. Police were called at 9:45am on Sunday 9 November after reports of a woman in distress. She was taken to hospital for treatment.

Two men – aged 36 and 27 – were arrested at the scene on suspicion of rape and false imprisonment. They were subsequently released on bail while enquiries continued.

On Tuesday (2 December 2025), the force announced the criminal investigation has concluded and no charges will be brought. A police spokesperson said the decision took full account of the victim’s wishes.

Outcome for the two suspects:

The 36-year-old man has been transferred to the custody of the Home Office Immigration Enforcement team and is now detained pending deportation.
The 27-year-old man has been released with no further police action.

A Dyfed-Powys Police statement read: “This investigation was not terrorism-related, and we have no knowledge of any linked incident in Monkton. All rumours suggesting otherwise are incorrect.”

The force has also dismissed separate community speculation that the men entered the UK illegally on fraudulent passports or were due in court this week on terrorism charges.

Detectives stressed that every report of rape or serious sexual assault is treated seriously and victims are supported throughout. Anyone affected has been directed to specialist services, details of which are available on the force website.

No further police updates are expected.

News

Baby C trial: Mother breaks down in tears in the witness box

Published

14 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

She tells jury Christopher Phillips repeatedly offered to babysit her seven-week-old son alone in weeks before life-changing injuries were discovered

THE MOTHER of Baby C – the seven-week-old boy allegedly raped and seriously injured by Christopher Phillips – has begun giving evidence at Swansea Crown Court.

Speaking in a barely audible voice from the witness box and frequently breaking down in tears, the woman (who cannot be named for legal reasons) described the rapid deterioration of her infant son’s health in the weeks after she began a relationship with Phillips, whom she met on Tinder.

The couple started messaging shortly after Baby C’s birth in November 2020. The mother’s Tinder profile featured a photograph of herself cradling her newborn son.

She told the jury that all of their meetings took place at her flat in Pembrokeshire. Initially, Phillips paid no attention to the baby, but after about three weeks he began showing interest in the child.

“He sent me a message saying that if I ever needed time to myself – for shopping or anything – he would stay in the flat with the baby,” she said. She declined the offer, explaining to the court: “I didn’t know him well enough to leave my baby alone with him. You don’t leave your baby with someone you barely know.”

Days after Baby C received his first vaccinations, the child began screaming in his sleep. The mother described the cries as sounding “as if someone was snapping his bones” – a family expression she said she had grown up hearing.

A few days later she discovered extensive bruising to the baby’s bottom, a swollen testicle and blood in his nappy. Alarmed, she confided in her sister and parents. Her mother (the baby’s grandmother) immediately suspected deliberate harm, referring to “some paedo” and urging her daughter to seek urgent medical help.

The following day the mother contacted her health visitor and GP. When she told Phillips about the appointments, he became angry.

“He wasn’t shouting, but his tone was different,” she said. “He was worried it would get out in the community and that he would be seen as a suspect. He told me to ‘nip it in the bud’. He said that once it had blown over he would put his offer back on the table – the offer to look after the baby. But I still wasn’t going to accept it.”

On another occasion she walked in while Phillips was changing the baby’s nappy and noticed Sudocrem around his finger “as if it had come from a pot”. She told the jury she did not own a pot of Sudocrem.

On 19 January 2021, following further concerns, Baby C was examined at West Wales General Hospital. Doctors examined his testicle and anus. The mother said she felt “horrible” taking him in but “relieved and reassured” when they were allowed home with advice.

Back at the flat, however, Phillips complained that her refusal to let him have alone time with the baby was “annoying” him and accused her of “micro-managing”. “I was just looking after my baby,” she said.

The mother then described the events of 24 January 2021, the night she dialled 999.

Baby C began screaming in a way she had never heard before. “It wasn’t a cry of pain exactly, but I knew something was terribly wrong,” she said.

At the time the screaming started, Phillips was in the baby’s room, supposedly changing his nappy. When she tried to go in, Phillips told her to stay in the living room. Ignoring him, she entered and saw Phillips fastening the nappy. He then left the room without putting the baby’s babygro back on – something she said immediately struck her as wrong.

Baby C was taken to hospital in a critical condition with catastrophic injuries. He survived but suffered life-changing harm.

The mother denies two charges of causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm and two charges of child cruelty by neglect.

Christopher Phillips (37), of Warrior Reach, Burton, Pembrokeshire, denies eleven counts of sexual penetration of a child under 13, four counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all between 20 December 2020 and 25 January 2021.

Cross-examination of the mother by the prosecution is due to begin tomorrow (Thursday, Dec 4). Closing speeches and the judge’s summing-up are expected next week, with the jury likely to retire to consider verdicts on Tuesday.