News
Work begins on the multi million pound redevelopment at Llys-y-Frân Reservoir
WELSH Water has begun work on the highly anticipated redevelopment of its Llys-y-Frân visitor attraction and recreation park.
The work by the not-for-profit water company will create an exciting recreational park and activity centre that will help support the local tourism industry. The redeveloped site is intended to attract an estimated 40,000 additional tourists, outdoor enthusiasts and local residents each year.
£1.7 million of EU funds has been secured through the Welsh Government’s Tourism Attractor Destination programme, led by Visit Wales, which aims to create 11 must see destinations across Wales.
The EU funding will enable the development of a year-round offering both for recreation and education, and will have a positive economic, social and environmental impact whilst also improving the health and well-being of both local residents and visitors.
The redevelopment at Llys-y-Frân will include a refurbishment and expansion of the visitor centre and full refurbishment of the café.
The new Outdoor Activity Centre and Waterside Cabin will be built to support walkers, cycling and water sports enthusiasts and will include a food stop, meeting rooms, changing facilities and cycle hire.
To build on Llys-y-Frân’s cycling product, a Pump Skills area will be constructed to provide a natural entry to the 10 km cycle trail around the reservoir which will be developed to maximise the offering to cyclists of all abilities.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, who visited the site last year, said: “Llys y Frân has so much potential and I’m delighted that we can support Dŵr Cymru with funding to take this vision forward for what will become an iconic water based and outdoor hub for the area. The development will benefit the local community, as well as draw more visitors to Pembrokeshire.
“Our aim through the Tourism Attractor Destination programme is to focus efforts and investment on key projects in each region so we have a real impact on Wales’ profile in this globally competitive market. The development will also give many opportunities for local residents and visitors to become more active in Wales’ natural environment.”
Peter Perry, Dŵr Cymru’s Managing Director, said, “Our plans for Llys-y-Frân represent an opportunity to create a world class, vibrant visitor attraction that will complement other attractions in Pembrokeshire and bring benefits to the local, rural tourism economy. The development represents a further investment in Wales to enable our customers and communities to enjoy fantastic countryside, recreational and education facilities.’
“We are of course grateful for the support from Welsh Government and EU funding which is enabling us to deliver this exciting project for the area.”
Whilst access to the site will be maintained to pedestrian visitors where possible, there will be some parts of the park and reservoir inaccessible for health and safety purposes. The site will be completely closed to vehicles during the redevelopment and no parking at the site will be permitted.
Customers can find out more information about the project by contacting Welsh Water’s Customer Services on: 0800 085 3968 or emailing [email protected]
Crime
Pembrokeshire child killer stabbed to death in prison cell, murder trial hears
Kyle Bevan, jailed for the murder of Haverfordwest toddler Lola James, was allegedly stabbed 25 times and left ‘as if asleep’ in a maximum-security prison cell attack
KYLE BEVAN, the man jailed for murdering two-year-old Lola James in Haverfordwest, was stabbed 25 times during an attack in his prison cell, a murder trial has heard.
Bevan, 33, was serving a life sentence at HMP Wakefield after being convicted of killing his partner’s daughter, Lola, whose death shocked Pembrokeshire and led to major questions about child protection failings.
Leeds Crown Court heard that Bevan was attacked on November 5 last year by three fellow prisoners, Lee Newell, 57, Mark Fellows, 45, and David Taylor, 63.
All three deny murder.
‘Left to bleed to death’
Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC told the jury the attack lasted four minutes and 39 seconds after Bevan entered his cell on A Wing.
He said the defendants followed him in “with real purpose” before allegedly carrying out a joint attack intended to kill him.
The court heard Bevan suffered at least 30 injuries, including 25 stab wounds from a sharp weapon. His heart and major blood vessels were damaged.
Mr Pitter said Bevan was then placed in bed “as if asleep” and left to bleed to death. His body was not discovered by prison staff until roll call the following morning.
Weapons found
Jurors were told a makeshift weapon, described as a folded piece of metal, was later found hidden behind a television and had Bevan’s blood on it.
Other weapons were allegedly found hidden in a container of chilli sauce in Taylor’s cell.
The court also heard that Taylor was allegedly heard saying: “Nice working with you and the Ice Man,” with “Ice Man” said to be a nickname for Fellows.
Pembrokeshire case
Bevan was jailed in 2023 for the murder of Lola James, who died after suffering catastrophic head injuries at her home in Haverfordwest.
Her mother, Sinead James, was also jailed for causing or allowing her death.
The case caused widespread anger in Pembrokeshire and led to serious questions about how Lola had been left in danger despite concerns being known before her death.
The trial continues.
News
Alarm over brown sea around Fishguard cruise ship as harbour gives explanation
Residents feared pollution after muddy water appeared around the Oceania Marina, but officials say sediment was churned up by the ship’s propulsion system.
BROWN discolouration seen in the sea around a cruise ship visiting Fishguard sparked concern among residents this week, after some feared it could indicate pollution in the harbour.
The large cruise vessel Oceania Marina arrived in Fishguard on Monday (Jun 8), bringing more than 1,200 passengers and hundreds of crew to Pembrokeshire as part of this summer’s growing cruise season.
But as the ship remained offshore, locals noticed muddy-looking water surrounding the vessel and took to social media to question whether waste had entered the bay.
The Herald understands concerns were raised with Fishguard Harbour, prompting enquiries with the ship’s operators.
According to an explanation passed to local county councillor Billy Shaw, the discolouration was not pollution but sediment disturbed from the seabed.
Harbour officials were told the ship had been using its propulsion system to hold position in strong winds and currents while tender boats ferried passengers to and from shore.
A statement from the vessel said the “brownish sea” seen around the ship had been caused by propulsion bringing mud to the surface.
The operators also stressed that no waste discharge takes place near land, saying all ship discharges stop before entering UK territorial waters and that the vessel complies with international maritime pollution rules.
The Oceania Marina, operated by Oceania Cruises, was making her first visit to Fishguard. Excursions took passengers to locations including St Davids and Cardigan, while many visitors spent time in Fishguard itself.
The call marks one of around two dozen cruise ship visits expected in Fishguard and Goodwick this season, with further vessels scheduled throughout the summer.
Charity
More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day
A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.
The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.
A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.
Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.
A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”
Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.
Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.
Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.
“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.
“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”
The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.
For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.
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