News
Community mental health physiotherapy services to be axed

THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD understands that community mental health physiotherapy services in Pembrokeshire are to be withdrawn by Hywel Dda University Health Board, without any form of consultation.
The professionals affected have no guarantee of employment with extremely short notice, we have been told.
This stealth cut to what is described by end users as an ‘essential service’ comes just two weeks before the health board’s consultation process on the location of hospitals and A&E services in west Wales comes to a close.
The doomed service provides a physiotherapy and exercise service to any adult with mental health problems who is unable to access mainstream services independently. The multi-skilled team aims to promote wellbeing and independence, and to free up hospital time.
Our reliable source for this story, who has asked not to be identified, told this newspaper: “This is obviously a shocking decision that will have a direct impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I have personal experience with these services, as they helped my late mother lead a full and independent life in her own home.
“There were numerous occasions where various consultants with little experience of mental health issues were recommending she be put into a care home or mental health unit, but it was thanks to the support and intervention of the wonderful mental heath physio team that she was able to carry on living independently, freeing up valuable space for those in greater need.
“Patients with dementia, anxiety issues and other mental health conditions are now going to be left stranded, unable to be access the vital physiotherapy they need to improve their overall physical health and well-being.
“Due to the uncertainty surrounding the continuation of these posts, doctors are already unable to refer people to mental health units from wards to get the treatment they need, and speed their passage home, instead they are taking up valuable bed space.
Our source went on to tell us that this was a “disgraceful decision”, and asked The Herald to “expose the lack of consultation, and highlight that once again they are cutting costs at the expense of patient care.”
Entertainment
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.
The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”
Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ
Community
Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”
A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.
Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’
Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.
“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”
He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.
“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”
Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.
“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”
Ongoing training and backlash
Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.
“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”
Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.
“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”
Community protection notice issued
Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.
“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”
The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.
Crime
Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

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.
-
Crime3 days ago
Calls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales
-
Top News4 days ago
Pembrokeshire man sentenced for driving four times over drink-drive limit
-
News5 days ago
Oil tanker and cargo ship ablaze after collision in North Sea
-
News3 days ago
Delays to Wales’ tribunal system ‘deeply troubling’
-
Business6 days ago
New owners reopen The Vibe in Milford Haven
-
Crime5 days ago
John Cooper appeal file still under review, but CCRC says process ‘will take time’
-
News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire becomes latest council to consider devolution of Crown Estate
-
Crime4 days ago
Milford man jailed for hurling racial insults during verbal attack