News

Jihadi threat to port security

Published

12 years ago

July 11, 2014

portsecurity Jihadi threat to port securityIt went on to say that Home Office chiefs called in the Ministry of Defence after covering the plan through a network of informants working for the intelligence services. According to The Star, a senior government source said: “We already have good security at most ports but this information is quite specific and that is about as much as we can say.” “There is a lot of extremist chatter in the UK at the moment and most of it is just pie in the sky. This looks like intent.” Last week David Cameron warned that Isis extremists in Syria and Iraq posed a major threat to the UK and MI5 has confirmed it is now its top priority. A police spokeswoman said: “Dyfed Powys Police are working with partners agencies in an ongoing national campaign to detect and disrupt organised crime issues, associated with the use of large commercial vehicles, including oil tankers.” Mark Andrews, Corporate Affairs Director for the Port of Milford Haven told The Herald: “In common with other UK ports, Milford Haven has a Port Security Plan approved by the Secretary of State. Threat levels are a matter for The Maritime Security Division of the Department for Transport.” The Home Office have not offered any comment on reports that the SBS team is being supported by specialists from the Special Reconnaissance Regiment to monitor maritime movements across the UK around the clock. It has also been revealed in the national press that a second force of heavily-armed personnel will be on stand-by out of public view and ready to intercept any potential threat, with bomb disposal and police anti-terrorist officers attached, all operating under police control. This week’s covert mission is the first major intelligence-led operation since then defence secretary Geoff Hoon ordered the SBS to stop and board the cargo ship MV Nisha in the English Channel just months after the September 11 attacks. In December 2001, SBS troops intercepted the ship, which had stopped at Djibouti and, according to intelligence, was carrying “terrorist material” as well as its routine load of sugar. The ship was taken into port, but nothing was discovered.

THE HERALD has been investigating following a front page story in The Daily Star suggesting that Jihadis are planning to attack an oil terminal.

The headline “Jihadi threat to blow up oil tanker at major UK port” caused anxious Milford Haven readers to contact our paper asking if there was any specific local threat to the busy waterway. The article, published on June 22, said that special-forces soldiers have been deployed in mainland Britain to support the police after intelligence experts picked up information on a credible threat to port security, somewhere at a port in the United Kingdom.

Business

Biffy’s Bar and Restaurant set to open in February with dog-friendly welcome

Published

32 minutes ago

January 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New owners promise fresh menu, familiar standards and a warm reception for ‘furry friends’

A NEW bar and restaurant is preparing to open its doors on Milford Waterfront next month after the team behind it quietly took over the venue formerly known as Salt.

Dayne and Victoria, who took over the business in October, said they have spent the past few months working behind the scenes and are now ready to relaunch the venue under a new name — Biffy’s Bar and Restaurant.

The official opening date has been set for Friday, February 6.

In a message to customers, the owners said anyone who has visited since October will already have experienced the standard of food and service they plan to build on, adding that a new menu is on the way.

They said: “Over the past few months, we’ve been quietly working behind the scenes and we’re finally ready to start putting our own stamp on the place — which will soon be Biffy’s.

“If you’ve visited us since October, then you’ve already experienced the standard of food and service you can expect going forward — because that’s exactly what we’re building on. We’re excited to say we’ve got a delicious new menu coming your way too.”

Dog-friendly

The announcement has drawn plenty of supportive messages online — including one customer asking whether the new venue will welcome dogs.

Replying to Dympna Pettit, the business confirmed it will be dog friendly, saying: “Of course, we can’t wait to meet your furry friend.”

Others wished the owners well, with some saying they were looking forward to trying the new menu and seeing the venue return to top form.

Helen Court said she used to visit regularly before COVID, adding that she was looking forward to giving the new venture a try.

Customers who want to book a table for opening day are being asked to message the business via its social media page or book through the Tableo link.

The owners also introduced Daisy and Dexter as part of the team — describing them as the venue’s “Head of Security” and “Chief Morale Officer.”

Entertainment

The littlest yak heads to Milford Haven this half term

Published

36 minutes ago

January 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Award-nominated family show brings puppetry and music to the Torch Theatre

A FAMILY theatre production nominated for four OffWestEnd Awards is set to visit Milford Haven this half term when The Littlest Yak comes to the Torch Theatre.

Presented by LAStheatre, the show is a musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book and is aimed at audiences aged three and over. It combines puppetry, original songs and live performance to tell a story about confidence, growing up and self-acceptance.

The story follows Gertie, a young yak who is proud of her curly wool and sure-footed hooves but frustrated at being the smallest in the herd. Keen to grow up and be like the big yaks, Gertie soon learns that there are some things only she can do, in a message designed to encourage children to value their own strengths.

The production has received strong audience feedback during its UK tour, with reviewers praising the puppetry, music and visual design, as well as its appeal to both children and adults.

The Littlest Yak is produced by Liz Bate and performed by a cast including Megan Ashley, Isobel Horner, Charlie Limm and Eloise Richardson. The creative team includes writer and director Barra Collins, composer Joseph Hardy and designer Alison Alexander, who created the set, costumes and puppets.

The show is based on the book by children’s author Lu Fraser, illustrated by Kate Hindley.

The Littlest Yak will be staged at the Torch Theatre on Saturday, February 21, with performances at 12.30pm and 3.00pm.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £12.50 for children. Further information is available via the Torch Theatre website or by contacting the box office on (01646) 695267.

Community

A generous character remembered after death of scaffolding boss Jozef Polak

Published

22 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRIBUTES have poured in for Pembrokeshire scaffolding company boss Jozef Polak following news of his death.

Jozef, who ran the firm JP, is remembered as a warm-hearted, larger-than-life character in the community. Those who knew him said he was the sort of person who would step in to help without hesitation — and who brought humour and energy wherever he went.

On social media, messages quickly filled with heartbreak and affection. “My best mate… taken too soon,” wrote Adam Rogers. Timothy Jones added: “Sad news. RIP mate,” while Gareth Williams said: “RIP Joe thoughts with all the family”.

Several people spoke about his personality and generosity. Ginge Davies said: “Rip JP truly a great guy… a complete nutter with a heart of gold… he was such a good laugh,” adding his thoughts were with Jozef’s family, friends and Johnston FC.

Others remembered him from childhood as kind and well mannered. Simon Narbett wrote: “Spent many weekends around our house as a kid in Johnston… always very polite and well mannered boy, nice family too. RIP Jozef.”

The sense of shock was clear in many posts. “Shocked hear this news tonight r.i.p mate,” wrote Adrian Griffiths, while Stephen Evans said: “Really shocked to hear this tonight RIP JP.” Rob Griff added: “So sad to hear this, life can be so cruel… He sure was a Character!!”

Jozef was also a long-standing supporter of The Pembrokeshire Herald, advertising regularly and remaining a valued customer for 13 years. The Herald team worked with him on a number of stories over that period, including the controversial collapse of Mustang Marine, which left a number of contractors out of pocket.

Johnston Football Club said Jozef was central to the life of the club and the wider village, describing him as a “club legend” whose backing helped shape one of the most successful periods in its history.

The club said his association began at the start of the century through his father’s sponsorship, with Jozef stepping up his involvement around 2012 — a period that culminated in Johnston lifting the West Wales Cup.

They said his support was constant and practical, helping fund more than 20 senior team kits along with junior and minis kits, balls, training tops, tracksuits and other essentials. His generosity also extended to bailing the club out with work needed on the changing rooms, adding: “We never had to ask twice.”

In recent years, Johnston said, it became almost routine to ring him when something needed doing. “He’d simply ask, ‘How much do you want?’” the club said.

They ended their tribute: “RIP to a true legend of the club.”