News

Cabinet considers flood prevention options

Published

5 years ago

September 10, 2020

THE COUNCIL’S Cabinet will discuss the options for flood alleviation measures at Haven’s Head and Lower Priory, Milford Haven.

The Cabinet meets on Monday, September 14.

On the agenda are the findings of a report commissioned following a major flooding event in November 2018.

The report by Capita examined the causes of the flooding and identified a ‘business as usual’ scenario as a viable option.

However, a series of other potential options were also highlighted.

The report concluded a combination of a rapidly rising watercourse, silting in the pills, high water levels in them after heavy and sustained rainfall, the low capacity of the culverts, and high tide levels all contributed to the floods.

The report notes the drainage system’s complexity and the poor condition of much of its infrastructure.
In July, The Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolved that the matter be reported to Cabinet with the recommendation to explore every possible avenue of funding to alleviate the flooding problem.

The Committee also reviewed a report prepared for the Port Authority by civil engineering firm Atkins last June.

Atkins’ report recommended the Port Authority should significantly increase the width of the culverts to cope with increased volumes of water run-off.

At the time, several councillors asked if, as the Port Authority claims, the existing culverts are adequate and fit for purpose, why Atkins recommended their size should be increased to handle three times the volume of water for which they’re currently designed.

Although the Capita report recognises engineering options could be used to help alleviate the flood risk it notes the options for doing so are expensive and would require further justification to the Welsh Government to secure funding.

Capita’s economic assessment says a flood alleviation scheme would be difficult to justify over and above what it describes as ‘Business as Usual’.

That option involves doing the (bare) legal minimum to maintain flood defences.

It accepts flood risks affecting several residential and commercial properties but does not take into account rising sea levels, the increased frequency of extreme weather events, or the continuing development at Milford Haven Docks.

Responding to an enquiry by Cllr Mike Stoddart, Council officer Emyr Williams accepted the hydraulics of the system were ‘less than satisfactory’. Cllr Stoddart suggested the Council should commission work to see if the diversion of the Haven Head culvert to discharge directly into the Docks would – at least – partly address the flood risk.

Cllr Stephen Joseph pointed out that the effects of flooding, severe as they were at Havens Head, were substantially reduced by the actions of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

He pointed out the Port Authority had done very well out of its ownership of the land, as had the previous Milford Docks Company. The Port Authority, he said, should not be allowed to ignore problems which arose as a result of its actions or inaction.

Cllr Joseph also said that if Fire Service pumps hadn’t removed as many as 14,000 litres of water a minute from Havens Head, the buildings there would have been inundated at an extraordinary cost. The Fire Service, Stephen Joseph said, were not there as an insurance policy for a landowner which failed to act to protect its own property.

The report before Cabinet recommends an additional review examining enhanced option costing, the viability of addressing the flooding of properties, property level protection, potential impact of climate change and the potential for partnership working.

News

Police investigate collision outside Glangwili Hospital

Published

9 minutes ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Armed officers among first responders – emergency department remains open

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are investigating a serious incident outside the Emergency Department at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, after a person was struck by a car late on Saturday morning (Nov 15).

A report was received shortly after 11:00am that an individual had been injured in a collision outside the hospital’s main entrance. The injured person has been admitted to hospital for treatment.

There is a significant police presence at the scene while officers examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Access to the Emergency Department has been partially restricted, though hospital officials confirmed the unit remains open and entry is being managed by staff.

Police have confirmed that armed officers were among the first to arrive, but stressed their presence was only because they were the nearest available unit at the time of the call.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently dealing with a collision that has taken place outside Glangwili Hospital’s Emergency Department. There will be a police presence for a number of hours as enquiries continue.”

The Herald understands the scene will remain cordoned off for much of the afternoon while collision investigators work at the site.

News

Sport Pembrokeshire Awards finalists announced

Published

2 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FINALISTS for this year’s Sport Pembrokeshire Awards have been revealed, with 39 individuals and clubs shortlisted for honours at the annual celebration of local sporting achievement.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “A big thank you to everyone who sent in nominations. The judging panel had an extremely tough task narrowing down such a strong field of candidates.

“Pembrokeshire continues to punch above its weight when it comes to sporting prowess, and I’m sure the awards will once again showcase both on-field success and the incredible efforts of the volunteers and coaches who make it all possible.”

The winners will be unveiled at a gala ceremony at Folly Farm on November 28, organised by Sport Pembrokeshire.

The event is sponsored by Valero, Folly Farm, and Pure West Radio, and will also see the presentation of three special accolades — the School Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Chairman’s Special Achievement Award.

The awards recognise those who have excelled in sport over the past year or dedicated their time to coaching, organising, and supporting grassroots sport across the county.

Finalists (in alphabetical order)

Girls U16

Mary Falconer (Climbing)
Cerys Griffiths (Swimming)
Ava Tyrie (MMA)

Boys U16

Conor Cremona (Weightlifting)
Elijah Jones (Surfing)
Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)

Club of the Year

Carew Sports Club
Chaos Netball Club
Milford Haven Hockey Club

Junior Disability Award

Jake Evans (Llangwm RFC)
Jack Gray (Fishguard Thunderbolts)
Ella Meacham (Windswept Watersports)

Young Volunteer of the Year

Enfys Battelley-de Torres (Camrose AFC)
Alannah Field (Fishguard & Goodwick Hockey Club)
Alannah Heasman (Haverfordwest High School / Pembrokeshire College)

Junior Team

BJJ Pembrokeshire Junior MMA Team
HHVCS Year 7 Girls Rugby
Merlins Bridge FC Under-14s

Unsung Hero

Sarah Bagley (Windswept Watersports)
Geoff Daye (Lamphey Cricket Club)
Jenny Lewis (Clarbeston Road AFC)

Senior Team

East Williamston Short Mat Bowls Club
Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club
Pembrokeshire Hockey Club – Ladies 1s

Male Achievement

Llew Bevan (Darts)
Liam Bradley (Triathlon)
Reuben Lerwill (Gymnastics)

Female Achievement

Sanna Duthie (Running)
Ria Jones (Judo)
Amelia Nuttall (Sailing)

Disability Sport Award

Rachel Bailey (Boccia)
Evelyn Thomas (Weightlifting)
Hannah Webster (CrossFit)

Club Organiser

Huw Jones (Haverfordwest Golf Club)
Leanne Jones (Camrose AFC)
Silfan Rhys-Jones (Fishguard Table Tennis Club)

Coach of the Year

Jamie Barrellie (Tenby Sharks Girls Rugby)
Rob Codd (Fishguard & Goodwick Hockey Club)
James North (Kilgetty AFC)

News

Inquest opens into Begelly woman’s motorhome death

Published

2 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Police and HSE continue joint investigation

POLICE have confirmed that enquiries are continuing into the death of a woman who was fatally injured while helping to move a motorhome outside her home in Begelly last month.

Carolyn Joyce Codd, aged 79, of Church Close, Begelly, died on October 28 after she was crushed by a motorhome on the driveway of her home.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but Mrs Codd was pronounced dead shortly after 2:00pm.

The case came before Pembrokeshire Coroner Gareth Lewis on Thursday (Nov 13) for the formal opening of an inquest, held via Teams.
The hearing was adjourned while police and the Health and Safety Executive continue a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The coroner ordered that witness statements and a full post-mortem report be submitted by February 12, when the case will be reviewed again.

Mr Lewis extended his condolences to Mrs Codd’s family and friends at the brief hearing.