News
Community frustrated with lack of superfast broadband completion

THE RESIDENTS of West Williamston feel they have been left on hold after all the technology needed for superfast broadband was set up for the village, except the final connection.
The village, made up of 20 houses, currently has no mobile coverage and a broadband speed of 3 Mbps, well below the 24 Mbps that is considered superfast.
The Welsh Government has said contracts were being awarded to complete the rollout of superfast broadband as soon as possible. Superfast broadband has now reached 733,000 premises across Wales, but there has been a setback regarding the final phase of 100,000 homes.
One resident of West Williamston, Alistair Edwards, said he signed up through BT after he was told that his postcode was eligible.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “According to their records we have superfast, but we don’t.
“It’s frustrating because 80% of the work has been done. There is a fibre cable just outside the village hanging from a telegraph pole. It just hasn’t been connected to the properties.”
BT have said that they were sending an engineer out to investigate the issue and will let Mr Edwards end his contract if they cannot provide the promised speeds.
In January 2018 the Welsh Government had said it expected to release details of a succession plan worth £80m for superfast in the spring, yet that date has been pushed back to the autumn.
Openreach, a division of BT plc, owns and maintains the telephone wires, ducts, cabinets and exchanges that connect nearly all homes and businesses in the UK to the national broadband and telephone network. The company have explained that there is the option to apply for a Community Fibre Partnership, which is in place for communities out of range for superfast.
The community only pays for half of the scheme, whilst Openreach funds the other half the scheme. The community can also apply for grants from the Welsh Government to help.
Despite this, Mr Edwards is not convinced, saying: “We’re not being told whether we will be covered or not. We don’t want to pay out as a community only to find out later we would have qualified for a free connection.”
A Welsh Government spokesman has said that they were working to award contracts as quickly as possible.
Entertainment
Let’s ‘raise a little hell this spring’ at The Torch Theatre

STARRING Tony-Nominee Jeremy Jordan and Olivier-Nominee Frances Mayli McCann, this award-winning, cult-favourite production Bonnie and Clyde The Musical (including Best New Musical – What’s On Stage Awards 2023) re-tells the unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Watch the lovers as they go on a crime spree on the Torch Theatre screen this May.
Captured in stunning, world-class quality, the musical follows the most notorious lovers and bank robbers who take the country by storm in a sexy and compelling adventure. Recorded live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.
At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie and Clyde went from being two small-town nobodies in west Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes who created a serious headache for the law enforcements. From kidnappings to murders in the 1930’s, the lovers robbed gas stations, restaurants, and smalltown stores in the areas of New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas and it is believed that they murdered at least nine police officers and four civilians before being shot and killed in an ambush near Sailes, Louisiana.
Bonnie and Clyde The Musical can be seen on the Torch Theatre screen on Thursday 1 May at 7pm. Tickets: £15.00 | £13.00 Cons | £8.50 Under 26. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Community
Give Cardigan Bay marine wildlife the space they deserve

Visitors and residents reminded to stay at least 100 metres away
VISITORS and residents enjoying the stunning coastline of Cardigan Bay are being urged to keep their distance from marine wildlife as the nesting season gets underway.
Under the North and West Wales Marine Code, people are advised to stay at least 100 metres—the length of a football pitch—away from dolphins, seals, seabirds and other wildlife, whether on the water, cliffs or shoreline.
This is a crucial time for nesting seabirds, and disturbances can have fatal consequences. Chicks or eggs may be knocked from the cliffs into the sea if humans or dogs get too close.
Melanie Heath, Marine Protected Area Officer for Cardigan Bay, said: “If you encounter any sick or injured wildlife, such as a stranded seal or dolphin, do not attempt to intervene.
“Do not try to put the animal back in the water yourself. They have stranded for a reason—because they are unwell or injured and need urgent professional medical assessment. Keep your distance and ensure others, including dogs and gulls, are kept away too.”
Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member, added: “It’s important to follow the Marine Code and stay at least 100 metres away. We are proud to work in partnership with many agencies to protect wildlife along our coastline and inland.”
To report a live stranding, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999. For dead strandings, contact the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333. Disturbances can be reported online at: www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk/disturbance/
The North and West Wales Marine Code has been developed by the Wales group of European Marine Site Officers to help protect the region’s unique coastal ecosystems.
Cardigan Bay is cherished both for its rich marine biodiversity and as a popular location for recreational activities on, in, and under the water.
However, past disturbances have included motorboats, kayaks and paddle boarders getting too close to marine mammals, passing through flocks of resting seabirds, and people attempting selfies with seals and pups hauled out on the rocks.

Business
Caban Pendine celebrates launch of new 12-hole crazy golf course

A BRAND-NEW 12-hole crazy golf course has officially opened at Caban Pendine, bringing fun and adventure to the heart of Pendine Sands.
The course was unveiled at a special launch event held at 2:00pm on Friday (April 11), with families, residents, and visitors among the first to enjoy the colourful and creative course. The attraction features imaginative obstacles, bold designs, and plenty of twists and turns—offering a light-hearted challenge for players of all ages.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Pendine Sands, the new course adds to the area’s growing reputation as a leisure and tourism hotspot.
Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, said:
“We are delighted to officially open the Crazy Golf course at Caban in Pendine. It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting into the spirit of friendly competition. This new addition enhances our leisure offering and provides a great activity for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.”
Course now open daily
The Caban Crazy Golf Course is now open every day between 11:00am and 5:00pm, offering an affordable and entertaining experience. Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, a casual game with friends, or just looking for something different, the course promises plenty of fun and laughter.
Visitor information
Location: Caban Pendine, Pendine Sands
Opening hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm daily
Admission: Adults £5, Children £4, Concessions £4
For more information, visit www.cabanpendine.wales or follow @CabanPendine on social media for updates, events, and special offers.
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