Community
Extra police patrols at Tenby skate park after ‘men approached young girls’

CONCERNED locals in Tenby have taken to social media to write about concerns of inappropriate behaviour – between males they think may have been asylum seekers currently housed at Penally Army Camp – and young girls in Tenby.
The police have said they are investigating the matter.
Witnesses have said that young girls have been approached by males while at the skate park in Tenby.
The Home Office has said that the camp will be used to house up to 250 male asylum seekers whilst their claims are processed due to a shortage of alternative accommodation, caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Reports circulating on Facebook have claimed to have direct knowledge that male residents of the camp have been talking and exchanging contact information with local school girls, some suggesting that they were in school uniform when talking with the men.
However, the police have not confirmed that that is the case – it remains an unproved allegation.
One local claimed on Facebook: “So tonight a few of us concerned local parents decided to go to Tenby skate park.
“As we got there two young girls where sat on a bench waiting for someone.
“Some kids told us they were the ones talking to the men yesterday exchanging Snap Chat details and stuff.
“Then the men from the day before turned up… saw us and scurried off down the beach.
“The two girls then quickly wandered off.
“These girls were about 14.”
One resident had stated that they had reported the incidents he had seen and heard to the local police station, he claimed that an officer told him they were in talks with Greenhill School about the incidents.
Pembrokeshire County Council said that they are unable to comment on the alleged incidents, however a spokesman told The Herald in a statement: “All I would say is that our schools regularly advise pupils not to engage with strangers.”
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they are investigating two alleged incidents at the skate park, and have been in contact with the local schools.
A police spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We have received two reports of alleged inappropriate behaviour at the skate park in Tenby and are looking to speak to the people who contacted us.
“In the meantime the skate park is now part of our patrol plans and we have linked in with local schools to reinforce the School Beat Stay SMART online messaging.”
Community
Missing Isabelle and Daniel located safe and well

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have confirmed that Isabelle and Daniel, who were reported missing from the Cardigan area, have been found safe and well.
A spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm that Isabelle and Daniel have been located. Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.”
The force had issued a public appeal earlier this week in a bid to locate the pair, prompting widespread concern and support across the community.
Community
Eleven new firefighters join ranks at Mid and West Wales Fire Service

Graduation ceremony marks end of 14-week training course
ELEVEN new Wholetime Firefighters have officially joined Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) following a graduation ceremony held at the Service’s Earlswood Training Centre on Wednesday (Apr 16).
The new recruits, collectively known as Squad 01/25, completed an intensive 14-week training programme, culminating in a formal Passing Out Parade attended by proud family, friends and senior fire service personnel.

The ceremony was opened by Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM and featured a full Parade of Recruits, Drill Yard Displays and presentations of awards and certificates. The recruits were inspected by Chief Fire Officer Thomas, Councillor Gwynfor Thomas (Chair of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority), and Group Manager Stuart Bate, Head of Training Delivery.
Speaking at the event, Stuart Bate praised the dedication and determination shown by the new firefighters:
“From the first day of their training, they have exhibited courage, discipline, and determination to uphold the noblest traditions of the Fire Service.
They have demonstrated exceptional resilience, and have embraced the values of teamwork, integrity, and selflessness that define our profession.”
Chief Fire Officer Thomas added: “We celebrated the remarkable achievements made by these 11 dedicated individuals who have undergone fourteen weeks of rigorous training.
As an integral part of Wales’ emergency response infrastructure, MAWWFRS exemplifies professionalism and unwavering dedication to public safety – and you are now an essential part of this work.”
Award Winners
As part of the ceremony, several recruits were recognised for their outstanding performance during the course:
- Physical Fitness Achievement Award: Awarded to Kallum Richards for exceptional effort and commitment to fitness throughout the course.
- Recruits’ Recruit Award: Chosen by fellow recruits, this award went to Rhys Tucker for demonstrating consistent support and leadership within the group.
- Highest-Achieving Recruit (Silver Axe Award): Presented to Llion Jones for exemplary performance across all aspects of training, including practical skills, exams, leadership, and teamwork.
Each graduate received a framed certificate presented by Chief Fire Officer Thomas to mark the successful completion of their training.
The new firefighters will now begin their careers across various stations within the Mid and West Wales region. The Service extended its congratulations to all members of Squad 01/25, wishing them long and successful careers in the Fire and Rescue Service.
Community
A487 at Newport made resilient after vital infrastructure work

THE A487 at Newport in Pembrokeshire has reopened following essential engineering work to future-proof the road and avoid long-term disruption to the community.
The key stretch of road reopened on schedule on 3 March after a defective culvert running beneath the A487 was fully replaced. The upgrade is expected to mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce the risk of emergency closures in the future.
The project involved complex engineering and close collaboration between contractors and key stakeholders, including Welsh Water, Wales & West Utilities, and Openreach. The culvert carries vital infrastructure, including water, sewage and gas pipes, as well as fibre optic telecommunications cables.
Without the repair, a collapse could have caused major disruption to services and forced an emergency closure of the road for an extended period. Localised flooding was also a potential risk.
Given the culvert’s location in the centre of Newport, care was taken to minimise disruption to local residents, businesses, and road users. A number of repair options were considered, but engineers concluded that full replacement of the structure was the only long-term solution.
Consultations were held to identify the least disruptive time of year to complete the works. With tourism vital to the area’s economy, it was agreed that the work would be carried out before the start of the season.
While the road was closed, engineers also carried out resurfacing along the affected stretch to address existing carriageway defects.
During the eight-week closure, local businesses reported a significant drop in footfall. Traders in Newport said January had been particularly challenging, with customer numbers falling sharply. Some were forced to reduce staffing levels or find creative ways to support loyal customers, including offering private parking for those with mobility issues.
Traders also expressed frustration at signage placed at Cardigan and St Clears, which they said gave the impression the entire road was shut, deterring potential visitors.
A diversion route for light vehicles was implemented locally, while heavy goods vehicles faced a considerably longer detour. Parking outside some businesses was restricted, and an increase in traffic through back roads added to the disruption.
Despite these setbacks, the town is now looking to the future. Businesses are reporting a renewed sense of optimism with the roadworks complete. Several are preparing for the busy spring and summer period, including events like Welsh Art Week, which is set to attract visitors from across the country.
Transport Minister Ken Skates said:
“I understand the disruption caused by works and I’d like to thank motorists and local residents for their patience whilst the work was taking place. However, it was vital that it was carried out at this time to ensure the road can remain open in the years to come.
“This is a beautiful part of Wales which attracts many tourists from across the UK and beyond. Therefore, it was important the work was completed before the start of the busy tourist season.
“I’d also like to thank the South Wales Trunk Road Agent and their supply chain for their hard work to ensure the project was completed on schedule whilst minimising disruption as far as possible.”
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