News

Police boss ‘delighted’ to be recognised in New Year’s Honours

Published

6 years ago

January 2, 2020

CHIEF CONSTABLE Mark Collins has spoken of his delight after being recognised for his service to policing in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List

Police officers, staff and volunteers from forces across the country have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List – and Dyfed-Powys Police is very proud that its serving Chief Constable, Mark Collins has been awarded an honour for his dedicated service.

Reflecting on the news he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have received the Queen’s Police Medal, and it’s an honour to have received it as a serving Chief Constable. It comes after working a combination of over 34 years as a police officer, in the Special Constabulary, and working in three different police force areas – Dyfed-Powys, Bedfordshire and the Metropolitan Police. I want to say a big thank you to all my colleagues, friends and staff that have supported me along the way. I’m really proud that I’ve served in every rank in Uniform Policing and in CID up to Chief Superintendent from Constable – it gave me a wealth of experience, and led to me leading on two large national portfolios, Mental Health in policing and group based Child Sexual Exploitation.”

Mr Collins was appointed Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police in December 2016. He then became the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead on policing and mental health in January 2017 and has brought significant leadership to the portfolio. It is a huge task, but he has had some significant success in terms of working with colleagues and partners around mental health in policing. He was invited by Sir Simon Wesley to join the review of the Mental Health Act, which has provided some fundamental recommendations that will change the way we operate as a police service, for instance the complete ban on use of police cells, and the conveyancing of people suffering from mental ill health episodes privately, will go a huge way to protecting the dignity of those people and supporting them through their periods of crisis. Tremendous work is being done across the UK in this field. In respect of Child Sexual Exploitation he has overseen working effectively with partners, colleagues, and learning the lessons of some large investigations. Chief Constable Collins is passionate about providing excellent support for victims on the victims journey, and has ensured Senior Investigating Officers are provided with a template and handbook of how to investigate these types of offences, and actually recognising and learning from previous investigations.

Mr Collins added: “It’s been an absolutely marvellous Christmas present to receive this honour. And I need to thank my family, colleagues and friends once more, for supporting me over the last 30 plus years in policing.”

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

17 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

18 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

18 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.