News

The climate is changing and so must Pembrokeshire

Published

5 years ago

November 8, 2021

COP Cymru 2021

AS PART of the COP Cymru series of events, Pembrokeshire County Council hosted a COP26 Regional Roadshow at the Botanic Gardens.

Today’s event (Nov 8) provided partners and businesses from across the South West of Wales to engage in important conversations about climate change – and an opportunity for all of us to help shape our future.

The theme of the roadshow was Adaptation and Resilience – looking at how we can collectively ‘deliver the practical solutions needed to adapt to climate impacts and address loss and damage’.

Including key speakers from business and environmental partners, the event highlighted three areas of concern; Resilient Energy – need to decarbonise in a sustainable and cost effective way that supports people through the transition; Agriculture and Food Independence – climate change is a significant and growing threat to food security; and Climate Change Risks and Adaptation on our Coasts – The shape of our coastline is changing and incidents of flooding are increasing in severity.

The latter looked at the ongoing work at Newgale to address the issues that occur along the coastal road following severe weather.

Council Leader David Simpson provided the introductory words via video message and spoke of his pride, what has been achieved to date in Pembrokeshire and the important steps the authority is taking towards a green energy future.

This event and others which are taking place across the region during COP26, is part of Pembrokeshire’s drive to be a net zero authority by 2030.

Cllr Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Welsh Language and Public Protection, said: ‘Adaptation and Resilience is crucial if we are to be adequately prepared to face the impacts of the changing climate.

‘With the support of everyone involved, today’s regional roadshow enabled us to take a deep dive into how we can build resilient infrastructure and agriculture, protect and restore habitats and support those most vulnerable to climate change.

‘We are excited to bring the net zero message to Pembrokeshire, and share the net zero agenda of organisations, community groups and individuals playing their part in creating a sustainable future for the county and across south west Wales.

‘The roadshow sits perfectly with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Climate Emergency Net Zero Carbon Plan, which aims to encourage collaborative action by educating and engaging with residents and businesses to develop a net zero journey.

‘This partnership approach will play a crucial role in achieving our climate ambitions and showcase the range of initiatives in development across the whole of the region as we look to reach net zero carbon by 2030.’

As the UK continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, Pembrokeshire is ready to adapt to the climate crisis, which remains a priority for the whole planet.

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.