RESIDENTS across Pembrokeshire can now back the campaign to protect services at Withybush Hospital by signing a paper petition available in council offices across the county.

The initiative has been introduced to ensure those who are digitally excluded – including older residents and people without reliable internet access – are still able to have their say.

The petition, originally launched online by local resident Ajay Owens, has already attracted more than 11,000 signatures. Campaigners say the introduction of paper copies will help ensure the final total reflects the views of the whole community.

SUPPORT GATHERS PACE

Local Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, who are supporting the campaign, said it was vital that every voice is heard.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire MS, PAUL DAVIES said: “We have taken significant steps to highlight the importance of protecting services at Withybush Hospital, including gathering evidence from staff, patients and residents, and raising concerns with health leaders. It is vital that people continue to share their experiences of why local services matter.”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS added: “The community has come together before to oppose cuts to Withybush, and once again the community are showing they will not accept the closure of services at Withybush lying down. We will stand beside them every step of the way until this decision is overturned.”

Both Members have formally requested that the petition be debated in the Senedd before its dissolution, in a bid to ensure Pembrokeshire residents’ concerns are considered at the highest level.

RURAL CARE CONCERNS

Campaigners argue that maintaining services at Withybush Hospital is critical for patient safety, timely emergency care, and supporting rural communities, where travel times to alternative hospitals can be significantly longer.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so at their local town or community council office during normal opening hours.

Ajay Owens said: “I am incredibly heartened by the support from our local town halls and businesses. This petition is about giving every resident in Pembrokeshire a voice, and having these physical locations available ensures that everyone, regardless of their access to the internet, can stand up for what matters to our community and share their concerns.”

WHERE TO SIGN

Paper copies of the petition are currently available at locations including Fishguard and Goodwick Town Hall, Haverfordwest Town Council at the Old Wool Market, Milford Haven Cemetery Lodge, Narberth Community Library, Newport Town Council, Pembroke Town Hall, Pembroke Dock Town Council, and across Saundersfoot via local distribution.

Opening times vary depending on location.

A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.

ARMED police were deployed to a residential street in Fishguard this evening following reports of a teenage boy with a knife.

The incident happened in the Dan y Bryn area on Sunday evening (Mar 23).

Armed police negotiated with the suspect, persuading him to hand over the weapon. He was subsequently detained, handcuffed, and taken away in an ambulance.

The situation was brought under control without any reported injuries.

There is currently no official statement from police, and the Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for further information.