News
Non-essential shops in Wales could be open as early as Monday
NON ESSENTIAL retailers in Wales are expecting to be told they can reopen from Monday when the first minister reveals the latest changes to the coronavirus laws.
Mark Drakeford will announce the results of the latest Welsh lock down review on Friday.
Businesses will be expected to ensure two-metre social distancing is observed in their premises.
Earlier on Thursday the Health Minister Vaughan Gething said he did not want to see large crowds gathering near shops.
The Welsh Government is expected to keep its cautious approach, and says its priority continues to be “keep Wales safe.”
Welsh retailers were told to prepare for a possible reopening three weeks ago.
Shops in England have been trading since the start of the week.
Street cleaners have been busy ensuring that Pembrokeshire’s town centres are kept hygienic and clean in preparation for the eventual easing of lockdown measures.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the team has continued to dispose of litter and fly-tipping, empty public bins and carry out essential cleaning.
“We would like to reassure residents that the Council is taking measures to ensure their safety by maintaining good hygiene standards in our town centres,” said Cllr Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment.
“Our street cleansing employees are doing a fantastic job to keep public areas clean, and my thanks go to them for their continued hard work – not just during the current crisis but throughout the year.
Cllr Tomos added: “I’d also like to remind the public that it is essential that they dispose of any litter carefully and correctly in public areas.”
Crime
Police seize off-road bike after anti-social driving complaints in Hakin
OFFICERS from Milford Haven and Neyland Police have seized an off-road bike following multiple reports of reckless and anti-social driving in the Hakin area.
Members of the public raised concerns about the manner in which the bike was being ridden, prompting police action. The vehicle was seized yesterday (Tuesday) as part of efforts to address ongoing issues linked to illegal off-road biking.
Police have reminded residents that such bikes are not road legal and must only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.
Officers are urging the public to continue reporting incidents and sharing information to help tackle the problem in local communities.
Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Entertainment
Duffy to tell her story in new Disney+ documentary
Pembrokeshire-born singer to speak publicly for first time about kidnap ordeal
PEMBROKESHIRE-born singer Duffy is set to break her silence about the traumatic events that led to her disappearance from the music industry, as part of a new feature-length documentary for Disney+.
The award-winning artist, who rose to global fame with her hit single Mercy and debut album Rockferry, will speak in detail for the first time about the kidnap and sexual assault she revealed in 2020.
The project was announced at the Series Mania television festival in France by Disney+’s head of content for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Angela Jain, who described the documentary as a “powerful” and sensitive piece.
She said Duffy had “entrusted us with her story,” adding that the platform recognised its responsibility to handle the subject matter with care.
Duffy stunned fans six years ago when she disclosed in a social media post that she had stepped away from music in 2011 after being drugged, kidnapped and raped.
In a later, detailed account published on her website, she said she had been drugged on her birthday in a restaurant before being held captive and taken abroad for several weeks.
She wrote that the ordeal left her fearing for her life, explaining why she did not immediately go to the police.
“It didn’t feel safe to go to the police,” she said at the time. “I felt if anything went wrong, I would be dead.”
She later reported the incident but said she had felt “petrified” ever since.
The singer’s sudden withdrawal from the spotlight at the height of her success had long puzzled fans. Her debut album Rockferry became one of the best-selling records in the UK, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards.
In recent years, there have been tentative signs of a return. In 2025, Duffy appeared briefly in a social media clip promoting a remix of Mercy with dance artist E.motion, sparking excitement among fans.
However, no new official release has followed, and she has largely remained out of public view.
The upcoming Disney+ documentary is expected to shed light on the events behind her decade-long absence and offer insight into her recovery.
Production is due to begin shortly, with no release date yet confirmed.
Community
Tesco grant funds surf therapy for young people in Pembrokeshire
A £1,500 grant from Tesco Stronger Starts has helped deliver a surf therapy programme for young people facing mental health challenges in Pembrokeshire.
Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said the funding enabled Tonic Surf to run a ten-week course aimed at improving wellbeing among those aged 14 to 25.
The programme combined surfing with beach-based activities, using the natural coastal environment as a therapeutic setting. Sessions were delivered in partnership with Walkin’ on Water Surf School and supported by clinicians from the Health Board’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Participants received guidance from qualified surf coaches alongside mental health professionals, creating a structured and supportive environment designed to build confidence and resilience.
Organisers said the project helped young people develop coping strategies, strengthen social connections, and support their recovery through positive outdoor experiences.
Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Tesco Stronger Starts for supporting this local project.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda, and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
Hywel Dda Health Charities said the initiative highlights the value of community funding in providing additional support services beyond core NHS provision.
Photo caption: Community support: Corinda Pengilly, Tesco Charity Champion, with Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer (Pic: Supplied).
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