News

Port takes action to tackle tombstoning

Published

7 years ago

July 24, 2019

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN will be enforcing its bye-laws in order to stop crowds of people from risking their lives by jumping into the water on its land at Milford Marina and Hakin Point.

Tombstoning is an extremely dangerous activity that can be fatal and the areas around Milford Marina and Hakin point are particularly hazardous. As well as being a busy shipping and fishing area, with lots of commercial and leisure traffic, beneath the water there can be many hidden dangers.

Port staff regularly collect debris from the area at low tide, often picking up large items such as tyres and shopping trollies – potentially a death trap. As well as this, cold water shock is a leading cause of death that many people fail to appreciate; even in recent warm weather the waters around the UK are cold and when the body suddenly enters this environment it can cause an involuntary gasp resulting in water being breathed rather than air.

Since 2004 the Coastguard has dealt with over 200 incidents, with 70 injuries and 20 deaths. Of those injuries the youngest was 12 and the oldest was 45.

During recent hot weather there have been numerous reports of large groups of children and adults jumping in, especially off Hakin Point. It has also been reported that people have been jumping into the water despite there being commercial and leisure vessels around the area, and a near miss incident has occurred. When reminded about the danger of the activity, many have displayed threatening and challenging behaviour.

Wayne Evans, the Port’s Health, Safety & Security Manager commented: “We understand that there is a history of people jumping into the water and we are very fortunate that no-one has been injured or worse to date. However, together with our partners in Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue, RNLI and Milford Youth Matters, we have and continue to work hard to try to get across the message that tombstoning is not safe. Together, we are simply trying to prevent a serious injury or at worst a fatality. If we find anyone jumping into the water, we will be exercising our right, as land owner, to prosecute.”

Anna Malloy, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager who has been working with multiple agencies since 2014 to deliver the WAVE anti-tombstoning project added: “We are just trying to prevent any harm coming to our children and it would be really helpful if parents could support us. If young people are looking for activities to do, we have plenty going on at Milford Waterfront. Every Friday night throughout the summer there will be loads of activities taking place under Hakin Bridge as part of our Under the Bridge project with Milford Youth Matters. Check out our website for more information on this.”

Community

Lydstep Haven swimming warning lifted after sewerage repairs

Published

3 hours ago

May 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BATHERS have been told they can return to the water at Lydstep Haven after warnings linked to a pollution incident were lifted.

Pembrokeshire County Council had advised people not to swim at the beach after an “abnormal situation” was declared earlier this month over concerns about bathing water quality.

Natural Resources Wales has now confirmed that the status has been lifted following repair works to a private sewerage system.

Water samples taken in the days after the repairs indicated that the bathing water was no longer being affected.

Signage warning people not to swim will now be removed by the council.

An NRW spokesperson said: “The ‘abnormal situation’ status at Lydstep Haven beach in Pembrokeshire has been lifted by Natural Resources Wales.

“The lifting of this status means that Pembrokeshire County Council is no longer advising people not to swim at Lydstep Haven.

“The private operator has carried out repair works to their sewerage system and results from several water samples taken indicate the bathing water is no longer being impacted.

“NRW is continuing its investigation into any possible regulatory breaches.”

Community

Safe Haven Homeless breakfast raises more than £170 in Whitland

Published

3 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FUNDRAISING breakfast held at The Station House pub in Whitland has raised more than £170 for Safe Haven Homeless CIC.

The event saw supporters gather at the pub, where landlord Mike provided a dedicated area for the organisation to display leaflets and posters, sell mugs, and explain more about its plans.

Collection tins were placed on each table and organisers said several generous donations were made during the morning.

Safe Haven Homeless CIC is being set up to provide a safe location, together with a wider support package, for homeless people who are desperate to get their lives back on track.

Organisers said the money raised would go towards the group’s work and help demonstrate to grant funders that the organisation is able to raise support locally.

A spokesperson said: “We intend to fund our initial start-up costs from grant funding, and by holding events like this we show grant funders that we are capable of raising funds ourselves.”

Safe Haven Homeless is also in the process of having a website built, which is expected to include a donations portal. The front page is currently live at www.safe-haven-homeless.org.uk, with OROGO Advertising working on the full site.

Photos:

Dave, founder and general manager, with his wife Lynne; director Steve Cox; supporters at the breakfast; the display area; and The Station House, Whitland.

Business

Cardigan bakery named among best in UK

Published

3 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CARDIGAN bakehouse has been named among the best bakeries in the UK as interest in “bakery tourism” continues to rise.

Bara Menyn, a small family-run bakehouse tucked away in a side street in Cardigan, has been highlighted by travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk as one of the bakeries worth making a trip for.

The name Bara Menyn means “bread and butter” in Welsh, and the bakery has built a reputation for imaginative bakes, pizzas and seasonal produce.

Laura Kerslake, regional expert for Wales, said: “Bara Menyn is how you say ‘bread and butter’ in Welsh and the name of the small family bakehouse that is hidden down a side street in Cardigan, West Wales.

“It’s open three days a week so that the owners can fit the bakehouse around family life and their careers as artists.

“The family’s artistic flair can be seen in all the imaginative fillings and toppings on the bakes and pizzas served, which are also made using local, seasonal produce.”

The listing comes as the UK sees growing interest in independent bakeries, with spending on bakery goods reported to have risen by six per cent from 2025 to 2026.

Research also suggests that many people are now willing to travel for regional food experiences, from traditional cakes to artisan bread and pastries.

Two other Welsh bakeries were also highlighted: Little Valley Bakery, which has sites in Mumbles and Brynmill, and was recently named in the Good Food Guide’s 50 Best Bakeries 2026; and another Welsh entry included in the travel company’s wider list.

For Cardigan, the recognition adds to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for independent food, drink and creative businesses.