News

Milford Haven: Fishermen protest at Government restrictions

Published

9 years ago

December 19, 2017

FISHERMEN from across Wales gathered outside Milford Haven Port Authority in Hakin on Monday afternoon (Dec 18) to protest against planned fishing restrictions.

Around 30 angered fishermen had hoped to speak to Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths who was attending a meeting at the Port Authority.

Stephen De-Waine of the Pembrokeshire Fishery had wrote a letter to the AM imploring her to open her eyes and meet fisherman to understand the problems that would arise should the restrictions be imposed.

In his letter he also accused the Welsh Government of miss-managing fisheries in Wales and failing to secure adequate deals.

Mr De-Waine, who has been fishing since he was 18, told the Herald: “in 2010 Welsh Government took over responsibility for the fisheries and since then they have been eroding our fisheries. We started off in Wales with seven fisheries, they’ve closed two, they’ve put restrictions and closures on some of the others and they’re looking to put restrictions on the other ones.

“They’re not fighting on our behalf to maintain the industry so we are losing it. This, today, is a protest for the minister to say to her that she’s got to open her eyes and start paying attention to what is going on otherwise she is going to lose the fishing industry.

“They’re saying they are looking to make all fisheries sustainable for the future but in our view we had sustainable fisheries. We own small scale fishing boats, most of us own boats that are under 10m in length so you’re limited by that, you’re limited by tides, limited by what you can fish.

“Our message to the AM is that she has to open her eyes and see what the restrictions she is bringing in place for the fishing industry is doing to the industry because she is driving the industry into poverty.”

It is hoped that inshore fisheries can be restored and that no more restrictions or closed seasons be put in place.

Those who were at the protest held a number of banners stating that the Welsh Government had ruined a number of fishing industries, calling them ‘out of control’ and calling for no more closed seasons adding ‘enough is enough’.

Mark Dellar, of the Teifi Coracle Netsmen Association, told the Herald: “I’m here today because Natural Resources Wales have put a proposal out to restrict our fishing seasons and we believe it’s not justified, they’re trying to restrict us for two months of the season and also to support the rest of the fishing industry.

“We’re also trying to enlighten the minister as to what’s happening as we believe she hasn’t got all the information in front of her.”

The fishermen waited outside the Port Authority offices for over an hour hoping to speak to the minister.

However, when she arrived she was taken down to the main building and only took the letter from Stephen De-Waine before going inside.

It left many fishermen disappointed that they had not had the opportunity to speak to her.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle