News

Super fast broadband to come to Pembrokeshire

Published

12 years ago

June 24, 2014

SUPERFAST CYMRU appeared in the Pembrokeshire County Council economy overview and scrutiny committee to discuss their Superfast Fibre Broadband, which they hope to be distributed throughout Wales by 2016.

BT project manager, Martin Jones said: “This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved in. BT with other providers started 4 to 5 years ago pushing fibre technology, and is now is 20 million homes and premises in Wales. It is a commercial investment, but Superfast Cymru is here to deliver BT fibre broadband to rural areas as well as urban. We started out in Swansea, Cardiff, Wreham and Newport but did not want to segregate rural areas, so are pushing to reach as many people as we can. It’s quite a challenge, but eventually, Wales will have better connectivity than Japan. “It’s all about social inclusion. This is a massive engineering project. I was in the Three Mariners yesterday and they said they have very poor connectivity, so I told them about fibre broadband and how it could help their business prosper. We are finding we are having to clear out a lot of water and are finding ducts that have not been opened in 50 years, but we are dealing with it. “There is so much more that can be done with Superfact Cymru. Apps, social media, video calling, file transfers, cloud computing, interconnecting PCs and wi fi are all much better and faster with superfast fibre broadband. The key is happy people. We want to give everybody fast connectivity through BT fibre. “Our network is gaining support and working with Pembrokeshire County Council is great to make sure planning in in place and that we get the timings right due to tourism in the summer. It is an open network, therefore it is available to everything. Some press releases have said that Wales in general has poor connectivity, but we want to get the message out there that this is available. Wales tends to start off slow and figures gradually rise when word gets around. We are on Facebook and Twitter sharing information of the roll out and where it’s going”. Cllr John Allen-Mirehouse said: “Everybody is delighted this is happening. But we must remember that this is not a luxury or an option. It is part of our basic infrastructure. If businesses are going to prosper, they have got to have superfast broadband”. Martin Jones responded: “I think Wales is a massive challenge. As it stands no premises are out of bounds of our scope. All premises should be provided with this by 2016. We’re not finding it a struggle, we’re hitting every target”. Cllr David Lloyd asked: “Is there any part of Pembrokeshire that will not be covered?” Mr Jones replied: “I don’t know. There may be places so remote it may not be economical to reach them. We may know toward the end of the project, but realistically, you’re not going to spend £30,000 on one premises that may not take up our services. It’s all down to cost as this costs a ridiculous amount of money”. BT marketing manager, Ceri Fitzpatrick said: “When an area is about to receive fibre connectivity, we will deliver flyers that say ‘fibre is coming’, and once it has been done send out more flyers that say ‘fibre is here’. We’re very excited – it’s such a great project”.

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

4 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

5 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.