Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

New Chief Constable for Dyfed-Powys Police

Published

on

By Thomas Sinclair

POLICE and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn has appointed Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Richard Lewis as the new Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police.

Following a robust and transparent recruitment process involving key stakeholders, PCC Dafydd Llywelyn’s decision will now be considered by the Police and Crime Panel in a confirmation hearing to be held on 30 July.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said; “I am delighted to be able to announce Richard Lewis as my preferred candidate for the appointment of Chief Constable for Dyfed-Powys.

“When I set out on this process, it was important that I recruited a Chief Officer who could bring the vision, determination and resilience required to lead the Constabulary. Richard performed very well throughout the whole assessment process and demonstrated great leadership skills. His vast experience and understanding of policing as well as his knowledge of the Dyfed-Powys area puts him in a good place to support the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

“As a visionary Chief Constable, Richard will build on the excellent work undertaken by his predecessor, Mark Collins who retired earlier this year, to continuously improve the quality of our service, protecting our communities and meeting public expectations.

“He has a fantastic track record of fighting crime and managing community policing and I very much look forward to working with him to keep our communities safe and to develop a Force that serves for today and is fit for the future.”

Richard Lewis is currently the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police.

Originally from Carmarthenshire, his career in the police service started in 2000 as a police constable in Dyfed Powys. Richard has worked in a variety of roles in uniform and CID during his 18 years in Dyfed Powys Police. He served in every rank up to (and including) Deputy Chief Constable at Dyfed Powys Police, working in all four counties in the Dyfed Powys area. Richard has also been the Head of the Professional Standards Department and chaired the Wales Counter Corruption Working Group.

In 2010, Richard gained a Fulbright Scholarship, a prestigious educational programme, at Pennsylvania State University where he studied Taser deployments leading to adverse incidents. The work was conducted in policing agencies as diverse as Dallas, Seattle and New York Police Departments. The majority of his time in the United States was spent working with the Emergency Service Unit of NYPD, based in Brooklyn.

Richard is currently the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Ethics and chairs the National Ethics Committee and has recently completed his PhD with Bath University.

Richard said: “I am honoured to have been selected as PCC Dafydd Llywelyn’s preferred candidate for the position of Chief Constable at Dyfed-Powys

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cleveland Police. It is an area that reminds me of home and the welcome I have received here has been overwhelming.

“The staff at Cleveland are amongst the best I have worked with nationally and I thank them for their continued hard work and the support they have shown for me since my arrival in early 2019.

“The opportunity to return home and lead my home force is one that I could not afford to miss. I promise to give my all in my remaining months at Cleveland and to the communities of Dyfed-Powys for the remainder of my service.

“My thanks go to PCC Steve Turner of Cleveland who has been immensely supportive and to PCC Dafydd Llywelyn for the faith he has placed in me.”

Continue Reading

News

Road closure following serious road traffic collision near Pembroke

Published

on

A ROAD traffic collision involving two vehicle led to the closure of the A4075 between Golden Hill and the Fingerpost Junction near Pembroke, causing significant disruption throughout Monday (MAr 18).

Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 11:30 AM after reports the incident.

The road was closed to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As the day progressed, it became clear that the closure would be extended, with the road likely to remain shut for an extended period.

The accident, described as ‘serious’ by authorities, prompted an immediate response from Dyfed-Powys Police and emergency medical teams.

Early reports suggest that at least one individual has been injured, although the extent of the injuries remains unclear.

Throughout the day, updates from the scene indicated a significant effort by investigative teams to understand the cause of the crash.

By late evening, after more than nine hours of closure, there was a slight reduction in the length of the road affected, AA Traffic said.

The A4075 is a crucial link between Pembroke and the surrounding areas, and its closure has had a noticeable impact on local traffic and commuters.

Emergency services and local authorities have expressed their gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.

Continue Reading

News

Tragic loss of pony spurs campaign for safer roads in west Wales

Published

on

A WEST WALES woman has embarked on a mission to ensure such a tragedy never recurs. Laura Grant, 58, faced an unthinkable ordeal last spring when her Welsh Mountain Section A pony, Katie, was fatally injured on a Carmarthenshire road, leading to a wider call for road safety reforms.

The incident unfolded as Grant, accompanied by a 15-year-old family friend, was enjoying a serene carriage drive with Katie and Billy, a Welsh cob. The tranquillity of their outing was shattered when an impatient van driver’s actions spooked Katie, causing her to bolt into a cattle grid despite her 700 miles of road experience. The tragedy of the situation is compounded by the fact that Katie, a rescue pony lovingly nurtured by Grant for four years, could not be saved.

Grant, devastated by the loss, reflected on the moment, wishing the outcome could have been different. “How I wish I managed to stop her or pulled her into the wall, but it happened so quickly,” she lamented. The incident has not only left a void in her heart but has also paused her passion for carriage driving.

In the wake of this loss, Grant is channeling her grief into advocacy, organising a “Pass Wide and Slow” ride in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, to honour Katie’s memory and promote awareness about safe driving near horses. The event, scheduled for September 14, underscores the urgent need for change.

Furthering her campaign, Grant has initiated a petition for “Katie’s Law” on change.org. This proposed legislation calls for the Highway Code’s advice — to pass horses at no more than 10 mph and maintain a two-metre distance — to be legally binding. The necessity of such measures is underscored by British Horse Society data, revealing 100 traffic-related equine incidents in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion in 2023 alone.

Grant’s advocacy extends to urging the Carmarthenshire County Council for greater consideration of equestrian needs, advocating for the restoration and shared use of old riding routes now converted into cycle paths. “Give us back all our old riding routes… We need equestrian access plans for Carmarthenshire, Wales, or better still, the whole UK,” she implores, aiming to prevent further tragedies.

Katie’s legacy, marked by a gold rosette from the British Driving Society for her carriage-driving achievements, continues to inspire a movement towards safer, more inclusive roads.

As the community mourns a “pocket rocket” who brought joy to many, the call for action echoes loud, driven by a hope that Katie’s loss will pave the way for meaningful change.

Continue Reading

News

Major traffic jams following accident on M4 near Swansea

Published

on

A ROAD traffic accident has closed the M4 in both directions as of Tuesday morning (Mar 19).

Police, paramedics and the fire service were called to the scene of the crash on the eastbound carriageway between Pont Abraham and Hendy at 23:20 GMT on Monday.

A fire which had broken out was extinguished before they arrived.

The motorway remains closed in both directions between J48 and J49.

The affected section is between junction 49 Pont Abraham and junction 48 Hendy, Llanelli, in Carmarthenshire.

As of 8.30am there were 45-minute delays with Traffic Wales saying: “Road continues to remain closed.

https://x.com/DyfedPowys/status/1769963608048378117

“Busy in the area delays showing as approximately 45 minutes in the surrounding areas. Please allow additional time for travel and thank you for your patience.”

At 10am Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is in attendance at a road traffic collision which occurred at about 11.20pm, Monday 18th March 2024.

“A car collided with a stationary lorry on the M4 eastbound at junction 48 Hendy, resulting in both vehicles being on fire.

“The M4 eastbound and westbound between junctions 48, Hendy and 49, Pont Abraham remain closed and road users are advised to avoid the area and take an alternative route if possible.

“It is anticipated that the road will remain closed until later this afternoon.”

Traffic monitors are showing there is already slow traffic in the area and congestion.

There are delays on surrounding routes in the area and on the A48.

Continue Reading

Community1 day ago

Residents hit back after YouTube video shows Milford ‘in decline’

IT’S been the talk of social media this weekend. A YouTube video created by Carmarthen-based Jason Thomas has become the...

Business2 days ago

The Original Factory Shop in Milford Haven to stay open

THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP, located on Charles Street, Milford Haven in the former Woolworth’s premises, has announced it will remain...

News3 days ago

Vaughan Gething to become Welsh First Minister after Labour leadership victory

VAUGHAN GETHING, aged 50, is set to become the first black leader of a European country following his election as...

News3 days ago

Conservative Group stall Council’s plan to build ‘Instagrammable bridge’

THE WELSH Conservative Group on Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Councillor Di Clements today had a “Call-In” accepted, halting the...

News4 days ago

Narberth: Celebrated in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024

THE CHARMING market town of Narberth has been recognised as one of Wales’ finest places to live, according to The...

News5 days ago

£1m boost for Pembroke Port’s floating wind prospects

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a further £1m funding to support the development of floating offshore wind capabilities. The Minister...

Community6 days ago

High tide warning: Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion flood alerts continue

RESIDENTS in towns and coastal areas across west Wales remain under flood alert as high spring tides elevate water levels,...

News6 days ago

Dyfed-Powys Police confirm death of boy, 16, in Clynderwen

POLICE have confirmed the death of a teenage boy on Tuesday in Efailwen area of Clynderwen. The Herald understands the...

Health6 days ago

Patients in limbo as Portfield Dental Practice stops providing NHS care

IN A HUGE blow for dental services in the Haverfordwest area, Portfield Dental Practice has confirmed that it has made...

Crime6 days ago

Dramatic arrest of three men after man hospitalised in assault

THREE men have been arrested by armed officers, at least one with weapons drawn, following allegations of an assault on...

Popular This Week