News

As further protest planned, police say last nights scenes ‘endangered everyone’

Published

5 years ago

September 22, 2020

A FURTHER protest is planned for tonight in Penally. It follows a similar protest last night which saw demonstrators clash with police over the plan to use Penally Army Camp as a holding centre for 250 male asylum seekers.

Following last nights events, described by the Superintendent in charge of Pembrokeshire as dangerous, Anthony Evans said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is a service that relies on co-operation with our communities and we will always work to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard, in a peaceful and safe way. We understand that tensions are running high in the community, but last night’s scenes endangered everyone and caused understandable alarm.

Police and protestors in stand off in Penally on Monday night (Pic: Herald)

“We are actively reviewing a significant amount of footage extracted from our officers’ body worn cameras, from footage shared to social media and intelligence obtained from other sources. Those identified committing criminal offences will be prosecuted – last night’s policing priority was to ensure the safety of everyone at the scene.

“We are in conversation with our partners across Pembrokeshire and are grateful to those in Penally and the surrounding community who are engaging with our officers on the ground and sharing concerns and information with us. Our history as a service is one of co-operation and we are working with partners across the county and the Home Office to get the support residents are asking for.”

Darren Edmundson, one of the protestors, told The Herald that there will be a huge protest tonight at Penally Camp.

He said: “We are expecting a large turnout of protestors tonight – many more than at previous protests.”

“We are expecting the protest to start at 6pm.”

“I am doing this because I am concerned for the safety of our family and our children as we don’t know the background of the asylum seekers. It has been confirmed that is just 250 men. Why not woman and children as well?

“There was a lack of communication prior to the protest. We wanted to know the facts etc.

“It was so disappointed to not see the council or any MPs turn up to answer any questions. Simon Hart should have been there.

“We feel that the camp should have been used to benefit the community especially the homeless.

“Wales has struggled for homelessness for years.”

CRIME COMMISSIONER

In a further development, the local Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn has said that he attended a further meeting with Home Office officials and partner agencies today (Sept 22) to discuss the planned housing of approximately 250 asylum seekers at a military base in Pembrokeshire.

Mr Llywelyn said: “I am totally frustrated that the finer details involving numbers and timescales are being kept from local leaders and residents. There is a complete lack of ownership and leadership being shown by Ministers at the Home Office on this issue and this is disrespectful to the local community”.

The Crime Commissioner has actively been involved in ensuring adequate resources and planning is in place within Dyfed Powys Police since learning of the plans last week highlighting that the response by local leaders of service has been phenomenal. “I am grateful to the Home Office’s operational team in Wales who have supported the planning and I will continue to personally support this activity”.

Last week he wrote an open letter to the Home Secretary, noting local concerns of apparent lack of strategic planning.
The letter stated: “I reiterate once again what I emphasised in my letter to the Home Secretary last week, that greater strategic planning and engagement is needed to ensure we support and safeguard these vulnerable individuals and respond to local concerns.”

COUNCILLOR LOBBIES HART

Penally County Councillor, Jon Preston, is urging Simon Hart MP to do more. He told The Herald that he has contacted the local MP saying the following: “As our representative at Westminster, you are the only one in any position to request that this location is re-considered. We have proven in the past that as a community we can rise to most challenges, however riots on the doorsteps of an elderly community is totally unacceptable.”

“The Home Office have breached their own guidelines placing these asylum seekers here in every respect and some of the threats of planned violence and criminal damage that I have heard being talked about by some outsiders in the protests is a matter of real concern.

“Can you please do all you can to get this awful decision by the UK government/ Home Office reversed as a matter of urgency. The situation is already having a bad effect on the physical and mental health of some Penally residents, myself included.

“I have not had one proper night’s sleep since this decision became known about to the local community last Monday. I have had no sleep at all last night because of the events described.”

LOCAL MEMBER OF WELSH PARLIAMENT

Commenting on the clashes at Penally overnight local Member of the Welsh Parliament, Angela Burns MS said: “I was appalled to see the scenes overnight outside Penally Camp.

“I have been working closely with the County Council, Local Health Board and representatives from the UK and Welsh Government to try and find the best way to accommodate the Asylum Seekers whilst causing a minimal impact on the local community.

“Mistakes have been made and communication from the Home Office has been poor, but the scenes last night were upsetting and disgraceful and not the way to help resolve this issue.

“I am worried that the legitimate concerns of local people have been hijacked by people from outside of the area to make extreme political points. The videos demonstrated not only a total disregard for the rule of law, but a lack of respect for authority and for other human beings. It is not acceptable for mob rule to guide decisions taken by Government.

“I have already written to the Home Secretary to seek assurances and clarity on a number of concerns that both I and local people have about the location of the camp and whether the local community has the resources provide services for residents housed in the Penally Camp. I will be raising the matter later today with the First Minster in questions in the Welsh Parliament.”

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.