News

Pembrokeshire seal pups return to the sea after making full recovery

Published

6 years ago

December 27, 2019

TWO grey seal pups rescued from Pembrokeshire in the Autumn have been released back into the wild, following a spell of care with the RSPCA.

The malnourished pups were initially rescued by Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR) – before being transferred into the care of the RSPCA.

The first pup was rescued from Freshwater West and taken to RSPCA Mallydams Wood wildlife centre, in Fairlight, near Hastings on 14 October. The second – again rescued by WMLR – this time from St Brides near Haverfordwest, was taken to the RSPCA wildlife centre on 5 November.

Caring for seal pups is hard work, particularly in the first few weeks of them arriving at an RSPCA centre. They are fed a ‘rehydrate’ solution and then are moved onto a fish soup within 24 hours – and, to start, are fed five times a day.

At Mallydams Wood wildlife centre the seal pups were nicknamed after ‘His Dark Materials’ characters – Lyra and Lord Faa.

Following their rehabilitation and care the two seals were ready to be released back into the wild and were transferred back to South Wales for their release on 19 December.

RSPCA animal collection officer Ellie West carried out the release along with RSPCA animal welfare officer Andrew Harris.

Ellie said: “It is always the best part of the job when we release wildlife back to where they belong – and for us this is the perfect early Christmas present to see them happily swim off into the sea. Although you can see from the video that one seal – Lyra – was more keen to head back to sea than the other – Lord Faa – who took a little bit more time!

“Thanks to a spell of rehabilitation at our wildlife centre they have been able to put on the right amount of weight and were then fit enough to be released at Port Eynon in the Gower.”

After a busy 2019 seal season Ellie said they would like to thank Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR) for their support.

“We’re so grateful to WMLR, who do incredible work with us in looking out for seals,” she said. “We’re also very grateful to the members of the public who have spotted and reported seals in distress to us.”

Ideally, lone seal pups looking fit and healthy should be monitored from a safe distance for 24 hours. If a seal pup is injured or in distress, the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line should be contacted on 0300 1234 999.

Ellie added: “It’s not unusual to see a seal pup by itself, as their mothers will leave the pups alone very early on in life. If you find a seal pup that looks fit and healthy and shows no signs of distress, monitor it first from a safe distance for 24 hours.

“However, if the mother doesn’t return after 24 hours or the pup appears distressed, injured or unwell, or is on a busy public beach, our 24-hour emergency line can be reached on 0300 1234 999. Please always stay at a safe distance and keep dogs well away – seals can have a very nasty bite.”

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

12 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

13 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

13 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.