News

Ironman Wales 2021 has been postponed, council confirms

Published

5 years ago

July 16, 2021

Tom Sinclair

THE ORGANISERS of Ironman Wales have postponed the 2021 triathlon event which was scheduled for September.

It’s the second time the Pembrokeshire event has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers said: “Uncertainties around moving to alert level 0 in Wales, the current epidemiological infection rate and the unique event site at Tenby and Pembrokeshire as well as large crowds expected to gather on race day were discussed in a meeting with local authorities.

“Due to the unique race site in Tenby, the recommendation has been made not to support the host agreement for this year and to reschedule the event to 2022. While we were hoping otherwise, we respect the council’s position and will follow its recommendation to reschedule the event to 2022.

“So, it is with a heavy heart that we announce today that Ironman Wales will return on September 11, 2022.”

Cllr Phil Baker, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Major Events, supported the decision to postpone the event originally planned for September 12^th, 2021.

He added: “The postponement of IRONMAN Wales 2021 will, of course, be a disappointment to very many people, myself included, but this decision has been taken with public safety rightly at the forefront.

“Given the sheer number of spectators that have always supported IRONMAN, the narrow nature of parts of the course and the uncertainty that remains over the Covid-19 situation, following extensive discussions with organisers we have reluctantly decided it is not possible for us to support the event this year.

“While we now very much look forward to IRONMAN Wales Pembrokeshire in September 2022, we can confirm that we have also signed a five year host agreement to ensure that we keep IRONMAN Wales here in Pembrokeshire from 2022 – 2026.

“This is fantastic news for our County and for IRONMAN Wales.

“IRONMAN Wales and Pembrokeshire go hand in hand and I am delighted that this partnership will continue and build even bigger and better events.”

Speaking on the matter, Samuel said: “It’s incredibly disappointing to hear of the news that the IRONMAN Wales (IMW) triathlon will not be going ahead in Tenby this September.”

“This was one of the first issues I raised in the Senedd after the election given the importance of the event to the local economy. It’s therefore so very disappointing to learn that, despite warm words from the Welsh Government over relaxation of regulations, the Council and IMW organisers felt that too many uncertainties remained.”

Samuel finished: “Athletes and local businesses will rightly feel frustrated, especially given Bolton was able to host their Ironman event only a few short weeks ago. I hope the event can return next year, bigger and better than ever, to showcase our magnificent part of the country.”

A New five year deal will see Ironman staged in Tenby until 2026 – it was confirmed whilst there were still doubts over the 2021 event taking place.

Cabinet member for major events, Cllr Phil Baker, has approved the deal with Ironman Ltd in a delegated decision with Darren Thomas, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Head of Infrastructure.

The 2021 event is scheduled for September 12 but organisers had been due to make a decision on whether or not it will go ahead this week.

The council will pay £65,000 a year as part of the arrangements, which is £15,000 more than the previous deal.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Tenby Town Council have also been approached for their support of the event.

Pembrokeshire has hosted the event since 2011 and is recognised as an international event which is backed by a global brand.

The event was cancelled in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic but with restrictions being eased, more and more events are now taking place.

It has been a popular fixture on the Pembrokeshire sporting calendar since its inception which has seen thousands of people line the routes to cheer on the athletes.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.