News

National Parks to merge

Published

11 years ago

August 5, 2014

tegryn-jones SET UP in the 1950s, Wales’ national parks were created to enhance and protect the environment. Around 12 million people visit the three national parks every year. Now the Welsh Government is reported to be considering proposals to merge the three bodies into one and there are fears the review is a pretext to strip away their planning powers and hand them over to local councils. A County Council spokesperson told the Herald: “We recognise there are opportunities to work more closely with the National Park and believe that such a relationship could deliver a more efficient and effective service. This is an arrangement encouraged by the Welsh Government.” Welsh environment minister John Griffiths has revealed that a review will be announced within weeks. Mr Griffiths said: “We’re looking at the governance, whether there may be direct elections for the councillors who sit on the national parks for example or whether there might be one for national parks for the whole of Wales. “As well as the very important landscape issues, and connecting people with national parks, increasingly we’re going to be talking about the social and economic as well as the environmental because they all have to click together.” The threat to the Parks’ autonomy is not new, but pressure is growing on the Welsh Government to merge the Park Authorities’ functions and remove their planning powers. Mr Griffiths would not be drawn on whether the review would tackle planning services delivered by the National Parks, stating that such a bill would be the responsibility of the Welsh Government’s planning minister. Speaking on behalf of National Parks Wales, Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority commented: “The Williams Commission review made a series of recommendations on the role of National Park Authorities in Wales and highlighted the vital role that the Park Authorities play in conserving National Parks and ensuring their future protection and development. “The review also recognised that Wales’ National Parks are important national assets, generating £1billion for the Welsh economy each year and attracting 12 million visitors. “The need for greater collaborative working, as outlined in the review, has already been recognised across the three National Park Authorities, as well as with relevant local authorities and national bodies and joint projects are being planned to provide the best and most efficient use of resources. “The review did not, however, recommend that planning powers be removed from National Park Authorities. “We welcome the Welsh Government’s governance review and look forward to supporting the review process to ensure that National Parks in Wales continue to play a fundamental role in contributing to the success of Wales.” Pembrokeshire Council Leader Jamie Adams has previously made clear his preference for taking on the National Park’s planning powers. At a meeting of the Welsh Local Government Association in June 2013, he said: “You have two organisations, two public bodies providing the same services within the same county. There are opportunities to look at reducing the tax burden on the public of those services.” In Pembrokeshire, that would have meant the County Council having control of its own application to site a rubbish tip next to Brooklands Care Home: a project that the National Parks authority made sure did not happen.

Charity

Communities across Pembrokeshire unite in memory of Sally Allen

Published

1 minute ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE TRAGIC loss of Sally Allen in 2025 sent shockwaves through communities across Pembrokeshire and beyond. Deeply loved and widely respected, Sally was an integral part of the agricultural and equestrian world. Her sudden passing left an immeasurable sense of loss for her family, friends, and the many organisations and communities she was part of.

In the days and weeks following the accident, people from across the county came together in an extraordinary show of compassion, solidarity and remembrance. Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity was on hand to offer guidance and support to communities affected by the tragedy, helping individuals and families navigate the early and often overwhelming stages of grief.

Support in Sally’s memory has been widespread, with particular strength coming from the agricultural and equestrian sectors that meant so much to her. Young Farmers Clubs across Pembrokeshire organised fundraising evenings and gatherings, creating spaces for people to come together, share memories, and acknowledge the profound loss felt by so many.

On Monday 15 December, a deeply moving moment of remembrance took place as Sally’s family came together with David Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd (CCF), along with further representatives from CCF and Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity. The occasion marked the launch of a specially commissioned design on one of CCF’s lorries.

The vehicle, N12 CCF, now proudly carries sunflowers – a flower Sally loved – alongside her name, celebrating her life while also featuring the Sandy Bear logo. This thoughtful tribute was warmly received by the Allen family and ensures that Sally’s memory, kindness and impact will continue to be carried far and wide.

CCF is deeply rooted in the landscapes and communities Sally cared about. At the launch, Mr Evans announced that CCF will make a donation to Sandy Bear aligned with the miles travelled by N12 CCF throughout January, transforming everyday journeys into a lasting legacy of support.

In addition, a JustGiving page will remain open until the end of January, allowing individuals and organisations to continue honouring Sally’s memory by supporting Sandy Bear alongside the CCF fundraiser.

Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity supports children and young people across Wales who are grieving the death of someone important to them. Being present at times of profound loss, and helping communities process grief with care and compassion, is at the heart of the charity’s work.

Sally Allen’s life touched many. The response to her passing has shown not only the depth of love felt for her, but the strength of communities when they come together in kindness. Through these acts of remembrance and generosity, her legacy will continue to make a difference to others during their darkest moments.

Crime

Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl

Published

49 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027

A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.

Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.

The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.

Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.

Crime

Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Staff Writer

Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.

Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.