News
Council’s tips on driving in winter conditions in Pembrokeshire
WITH colder days ahead, Pembrokeshire County Council has issued the following tips to help drivers prepare their vehicles for winter driving and remain safe.
Remember to prepare your vehicle for winter driving before you set off:
· Check anti-freeze levels
· Top up your screen wash ensuring it is a higher concentrate or it will freeze
· Check tyre pressures
· Keep your lights and windows clean
Winter car essentials: keep an emergency kit in your vehicle including:
· Ice scraper and de-icer
· Mobile Phone
· In car charger or power pack
· Sat-Nav, printed map of an unfamiliar route or road atlas
· Torch and spare batteries
· Blanket, First Aid Kit and warning triangle
· Jump leads
· Snow shovel
· Water and snacks
“Now is a good time for motorists to prepare for winter driving,” said Cllr Phil Baker, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure.
“To keep you, your passengers and other road users safe always take extra care when driving in rain, snow or icy conditions. Our tips will help drivers cope better with the various seasonal weather hazards ahead.
“Always clear your windows and mirrors completely of snow and ice before you set off and set off early as you never know what hazards lay ahead on the road.”
“Remember – as drivers you need to adapt your driving to the different conditions.”
Top winter driving tips:
1. Drive defensively; anticipate the road ahead through observing near, middle and far distance.
2. Keep well within the speed limits; drive to the conditions not the speed limit.
3. Avoid excessive steering and cornering at speed, steer smoothly into bends and corners.
4. Avoid excessive braking, brake gently and use low gears to engine brake.
5. Beware of black ice. Black ice is more prevalent early morning and late at night when temperatures are at their lowest. If the vehicle starts to skid, gently lift off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid
6. Avoid overtaking gritting vehicles and snow ploughs, the driver has limited visibility and the road in front of them will be worse than the road behind them.
7. Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front, stopping distances can increase 10 times that of normal stopping distances.
8. Use second gear when moving off in snow.
9. Select the most suitable gear early when driving up hill, avoids changing gear on the hill and losing momentum.
10. Reduce speed before going downhill, select a low gear and avoid using the brakes.
11. Allow an extra 10 minutes to prepare the car before setting off.
12. Clear snow off of the vehicle before driving off, frozen blocks of snow falling from your vehicle are a hazard to other road users and can slide forward obscuring your visibility.
13. Do not drive off until your windows have fully de-misted and all ice removed.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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