News
Coastguard help Fisheries Officer with Sandy Haven fishing net

MEMBERS of the public contacted the coastguard to complain about a fishing net across Sandy Haven beach on Sunday. The very long net, which was anchored to the sand, was left with dying and dead fish in it.
Local Tracey Griffiths was on the beach and videoed the scene. It was viewed by 9,000 people on Facebook within 24 hours.
She wrote on her post: “This long line was anchored right across the mouth of Sandy Haven this evening; it must have had dozens upon dozens of dying or dead fish caught up in it.
“We tried to save as many as we could, but the tide was coming in and this net was hundreds of meters long.
“This is illegal, and the coastguard have been informed.
“Sandy Haven is protected and has all sorts of beautiful wildlife like Otters that use it. The people who laid this should feel ashamed…”
A spokesman from HM Coastguard Dale posted on social media: “Coastguard Operations Centre at 16.27 to investigate a large net at Sandy Haven. Many members of public had reported the issue. We expected a large trawl net, a threat to navigation.
“The Team arrived and found a large monofilament net placed across the beach.
“The incident was of interest to Fisheries Enforcement and we were asked to preserve the scene.
On their arrival we provided safety cover then assisted the Fisheries Officer with the recovery of the net.”
A spokesman close to the finish industry, who did not want to be named, told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “I think this is a beach set gill net with grey mullet in it.
“They are legal if under 50 meters long and mesh size greater than 100mm.
“There is no need for license if it was set without a boat. Beach set nets are usually legal, although morally wrong.”
At the time of publication, this newspaper had not yet confirmed the length of the net and its legality or otherwise.
There is a link to Tracey Griffith’s video on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page.
Community
Local firefighters to run search and rescue training exercise ‘High & Dry’

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) will be carrying out a realistic Search and Rescue training exercise on Monday (Apr 7), aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities.
The exercise, named ‘High & Dry’, will take place between 6:30pm and 8:30pm at Crown Buildings, Church Street, Llanelli. The session will allow crews to practise specialist rescue techniques, including Rescue from Height using the Turntable Ladder.
To ensure a lifelike environment, synthetic smoke will be used during the training. Members of the public may notice smoke escaping from windows and doors, or see emergency vehicles and personnel at the scene. The fire service is reassuring residents that there is no cause for concern.
Watch Manager Gavin Wilkins said: “It’s vital to utilise real buildings as it provides a realistic environment and opportunity to prepare our crews to effectively deal with incidents of this nature. We would like to thank the owners of Crown Buildings in Llanelli for the use of the premises for this exercise.”
The service also thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding while crews undertake this important training.
Crime
Fined for dropping cigarette at Milford Haven Tesco

A LLANELLI man who dropped a cigarette outside Tesco in Milford Haven has been fined over £570 after failing to attend court.
Mark Evens, aged 42, of Llys Westfa, Llanelli, was found guilty in his absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3).
The court heard that on September 3, 2024, Evens discarded a cigarette butt in a public place to which section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applied.
He was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88 and prosecution costs of £266.66. A collection order was made, and the full balance of £574.66 must be paid by May 1.
Crime
Court adjourns marine enforcement case

A SWANSEA man failed to appear in court after being accused of refusing to comply with a marine enforcement officer.
Ieuan Rhys Davies, aged 29, of Seaview Terrace, Penclawdd, is accused of failing to stop his vessel when directed by Marine Enforcement Officer Matthew Dawkins on June 6, 2024.
The case, brought under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, was adjourned until May 1 at 2:00pm.
Magistrates have ordered that Davies must attend the next hearing or risk a warrant being issued for his arrest.
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