News
Beaches gain prestigious awards
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is extremely proud after the county received recognition for the quality of the county’s beaches this year.
A total of ten beaches achieved the prestigious Blue Flag Award including Newgale, Saundersfoot and Whitesands. The Blue Flag concentrates on the sustainable development of beaches and marinas – with awards given to beaches which have exceptional cleanliness, water quality and safety – 32 criteria elements must be met. The Blue Flag Award is an international award and is acknowledged by 46 countries around the world. To be able to meet the criteria of the award Pembrokeshire has worked hard to maintain a sufficient number of lifeguards on the beaches, ensure access for wheel chair users and have first aid equipment available on all of the beaches. Management has also played a major role in meeting the standards of the Blue Flag – the Council has established a management committee who ensure the beaches are kept clean as well as making sure toilets are provided nearby and that bins are emptied regularly. The National Coastal Award Jury and FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) International Jury approved the Blue Flag Awards. Many of other Pembrokeshire’s beaches also received the Green Coast Award, Seaside Rural and Seaside Resort coast awards –the seaside rural and seaside resort coast awards are only run in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Beaches that cover the full varied coastline of Pembrokeshire have gained these further accolades such as Abereiddy, Broad Haven South and Nolton Haven. Cllr David Pugh, Cabinet Member for Economy and Tourism, said: “We are very proud to achieve these prominent awards because they show how much we value Pembrokeshire’s many beauty spots which are so important for the county’s tourism industry. We aim to maintain this high standard of cleanliness and safety on these beaches and hope to retain the awards next year.” Full list of beaches awarded: Amroth, Abereiddy, Broadhaven Central, Barafundle, Coppet Hall, Broadhaven South, Dale, Cwm yr Eglwys, Lydstep, Druidston Haven, Newgale, Freshwater East, Saundersfoot, Manorbier, Tenby North Beach, Marloes Sands, Tenby South Beach, Martin’s Haven, Whitesands, Penally, Tenby Castle Beach, Priory Bay, Caldey, Poppit West, West Dale, Sandy Haven, Nolton Haven, Newport North, Gelliswick, Goodwick Sands, Little Haven, St Brides Haven, West Angle, Wisemans Bridge.
Crime
Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates
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
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
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.
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Tomos
June 27, 2014 at 7:03 pm
It’s just a pity that Pembs CC make the disabled pay for parking, especially bad as its the only county to do and then hide the terms and conditions AND the machine itself a LONG way from the disabled spaces – I regularly see tourists cars given tickets in Pembroke and Fishguard – you’d think they do it on purpose and they are more concerned in getting £40 rather than keeping tourists happy and only getting forty pence – I think it’s criminal!
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