News

Five mile travel restriction could be in place all summer

Published

4 years ago

June 9, 2020

THE First Minister, Mark Drakeford has said the five-mile travel limit may remain in place all summer.

Speaking at the Welsh Government’s coronavirus briefing earlier today (June 9), Mr Drakeford said easing travel restrictions was “not on my list of things to change”.

The current five mile travel guideline in Wales was part of the first stage of the lockdown lifdown, the three-week review period end’s on June 18.

This means the current travel guideline is likely to stay in force until July 10 at the earliest.

“We have no immediate plans to lift the stay-local message in Wales,” said Mr Drakeford.

Adding that it is still likely to remain in place if and when parts of Wales’ tourism industry reopens.

The possibility of holiday cottages and self-catered flats to reopen for business later this summer has been discussed, but the Hotel and B&B rooms situation would be more difficult.

Mr Drakeford said: “It’s a difficult tightrope to walk because we want to lift lockdown measures further but we don’t want people to run away with the idea that coronavirus is over.

“Even if we are down to 50 new cases every day, we have no idea who those 50 people might be, because coronavirus is a silent spreader. So it’s still very important to carry on with social distancing and with staying local.”

The five-mile guideline will still remain crucial for self catered accommodation. Guests would still have to limit their travel to the guideline and refrain from meeting lots of people.

He added “There is, in a public health sense, I think, a distinction to be drawn between people who have their own kitchen, their own bathroom.

“That will be different, I think, to someone travelling to stay somewhere where they are sharing kitchens, sharing showers, sharing toilets, where inevitably the level of risk would be great.”
Guests would not be “meeting lots of different people,”

Speaking about when the Welsh tourism industry might be likely to re-open, Mr Drakeford said there would need to be “community consent” and recognised the varying factors across Wales, especially in North West and South West Wales where there have been very low levels of the virus confirmed.

There are no plans in Wales for the re-opening of restaurants and pubs, which have been discussed in England.

Sports fixtures, mass gatherings and concerts are expected not to resume until 2021.

The next lockdown announcement is expected to take place on June 19.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!