News

Police swoop on beach party mayhem

Published

11 years ago

June 23, 2014

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have been called out to a number of beach locations to prevent teenage party revellers getting out of hand.

The problems started over the May half term on Broad Haven beach, Haverfordwest, and have continued up to last weekend officers from South Ceredigion Neighbourhood Policing Team were called to a beach gathering at Newport Sands. During these patrols alcohol was seized from a number of underage youngsters, and one driver was issued with a Section 59 warning after driving his vehicle in an antisocial manner on the beach. Over the half term Festivals Week, police were called on a number of occasions to Broad Haven beach where a series of teenage parties were in full swing. They confiscated large quantitates of alcohol and dealt with complaints that the youngsters were drinking, smoking and littering the beach. Villagers also complained of intimidating behaviour and foul language. A festival banner worth over £200 was also set on fire during one beach rave. On a more serious note, broken glass was strewn across the sand, causing an extremely dangerous hazard. Police were forced to issue four section 27 notices to move them on, and a 17 year old was found to be in possession of cannabis. As a result 27 local teenagers will be receiving antisocial referral letters. PCSO Ben Cole told The Herald: “Our message is simple – we’re not here to spoil anybody’s fun but sometimes evening gatherings on beaches can lead to antisocial behaviour. Where that happens we will use our powers to deal with it. It is an offence for anyone under 18 to be in possession of alcohol and it will be seized by officers. Similarly drivers who use their vehicles in an antisocial manner and cause danger or alarm to others risk having their vehicles seized.” Angry resident, Robin Mogg, Chairman of Havens Business Group and Havens Festival, told The Herald: “On the evenings of May 26 and 27 a large number of young people congregated on Broad Haven beach. Some were dropped off by adults along with various quantities of alcohol. Far too many of these children were under the legal age for consuming alcohol. A mindless element in the crowd decided the colourful flags would look better in flames and the sandy beach would be greatly enhanced by the addition of broken glass. Many thanks to our Council beach cleaner.” Local resident Gavin Young said: “No one minds people having beach parties, as long as people clean up after them and are respectful to other residents. The parents don’t seem to care that they are dropping their kids off to a party where they are drinking.” Police will be patrolling local beaches over the summer on the lookout for anyone behaving in an antisocial manner, but will also need the help of the public. If you are a victim or a witness, you should contact Dyfed Powys Police on 101. In an emergency call 999.

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

34 mins ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.

From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”