News
South West Wales enters a state of Drought as dry weather continues

FOLLOWING the extended period of dry weather, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that the trigger thresholds have been met to move South West Wales into drought status from Friday, August 19.
NRW’s decision to move from prolonged dry weather status to drought for the area was agreed and shared with a meeting of the Welsh Government’s Drought Liaison Group and after consideration of the exacerbated pressures the high temperatures and lack of significant rainfall have had on the environment in this area.
The rest of Wales remains in prolonged dry weather status but concerns still remain. While essential supplies of water remain safe, the public and businesses in drought affected areas should be very mindful of the pressures on water resources and should use water wisely. NRW continues to closely monitor the situation across Wales, working with partners and will take action as required.
Natalie Hall, Sustainable Water Manager for NRW, said: “Prolonged dry weather can lead to drought when rainfall remains low. This can impact some of our most precious habitats and species as well as systems we often take for granted, such as our water supplies.
“We have decided to declare a state of drought in South West Wales after it was clear the lack of rain and recent heat have put a huge strain on our rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels.“
The areas affected are:
- North Ceredigion (Rheidol, Aeron, Ystwyth)
- Teifi
- Pembrokeshire (Eastern and Western Cleddau)
- Carmarthen (Tywi and Taf)
- Swansea and Llanelli (Tawe and Loughor)
- Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend (Neath, Afan, Ogmore)

South West Wales received just 65.5% of its average rainfall in July and all river levels in the area are lower than expected for this time of the year, with the Ewenny, Teifi and Taf exceptionally low.
Low groundwater levels coupled with record high temperatures, have also put a strain on the region’s ecosystems as well as public water supplies in Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire.
The rest of the country continues to experience a period of prolonged dry weather, despite there being some recent rainfall.
Across the rest of Wales, the majority of rivers across Wales are lower than expected for the time of year, with many exceptionally low including the Alyn, Conwy, Clwyd, Taf, Teifi, Ewenny, Wye, Usk and Ebbw.
Between March and July Wales received just 61% of its expected rainfall resulting in the driest five-month period in 40 years
NRW is advising the residents of Pembrokeshire to follow water conservation advice given by Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water, who have introduced a temporary use ban, more commonly known as a hosepipe ban, which will also come into effect today (Friday 19 August).
NRW and Welsh Government (WG) also attend the national drought group for England to address any cross-border concerns.
Natalie added: “While certain parts of Wales may be experiencing rain, it can still take a long time to recover from drought, making water a precious resource.
“We’re urging the public to save water where possible; you can find the latest ad advice on water by visiting your water company’s website or Waterwise (www.waterwise.org.uk).
“Please report any incidents on the current dry weather on our 24-hour hotline on 0300 065 3000.”
Charity
Seven-year-old completes Mayday Mile to support RNLI

Leo Candler walks and cycles 61 miles in one month for lifesaving charity
A DETERMINED seven-year-old from Pembrokeshire has raised hundreds of pounds for the RNLI after walking or cycling more than a mile every day throughout May.
Leo Candler took part in the RNLI’s Mayday Mile challenge, clocking up a total of 61 miles during the month. His efforts have already more than doubled his original fundraising target of £125, with donations currently standing at £286 — and still rising.
Inspired by his father’s role
Leo’s passion for the lifesaving charity is deeply rooted in family. His father, Scott, is both a Lifeguard Assessor Trainer and a volunteer crew member on the St Davids Lifeboat.
“Leo’s always been the RNLI’s number one fan,” said his mother, Simona Candler. “He’s grown up with the yellow wellies, supporting his dad on the beach, watching lifeboat launches, and visiting the RNLI College. He absolutely loves it.”
Some of Leo’s walks and rides took him to and from local lifeboat stations, and included visits to RNLI lifeguards at Whitesands Beach. He was often joined by his younger brother Zane, aged three, who is already following in his footsteps.
A mission that matters
“Even though Leo is only seven, he understands how important the RNLI’s work is — not just in the UK but around the world,” said Simona. “He knows his dad went to Bangladesh to help set up their lifeguard service, and he’s proud of that.”
She added: “It was amazing to see a boy his age so determined to get his miles in each day. We’re incredibly proud of both our boys.”
Leo’s fundraising campaign continues until the end of June. Donations can be made online by searching “RNLI – Leo Candler”.



Brave little fundraiser: Leo aboard St Davids Tamar Class Lifeboat (Pic: Herald)
Community
Travel advice issued for Pembrokeshire’s Long Course Weekend

Motorists and bus passengers across south Pembrokeshire are being advised to prepare for a series of road closures and transport changes as the Long Course Weekend returns to the region this weekend.
The popular endurance event, which draws thousands of athletes and spectators each year, will bring temporary disruptions to routes in and around Tenby on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June as competitors take part in the Wales Sportive and Wales Marathon.
Saturday 28th June – Wales Sportive
On Saturday, the Wales Sportive cycle event will see several roads in the wider Tenby area closed or converted to one-way systems to ensure participant safety. While the A40, A477, and the A478 Narberth to Kilgetty routes remain unaffected and fully open, other roads will be subject to closures and diversions throughout the day.

Sunday 29th June – Wales Marathon
Further closures will be in place on Sunday during the Wales Marathon, affecting routes between Tenby and Pembroke. These will operate on a rolling basis between 9.30am and 4pm, with the aim of minimising disruption while maintaining safety for runners and spectators.

Up-to-date information on all road closures can be found on the event’s official website:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road-closures

Special arrangements for carers and emergency access
Care professionals requiring access to clients in affected areas can obtain vehicle passes through their care organisation managers. More details are available at:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road…/carers-information
In case of emergencies during the event, organisers can be contacted directly on 01437 765777.
Public transport disruptions
Local bus services will also be impacted by the weekend’s events, with changes in place on both Saturday and Sunday.
Friday 27th June
- All services will operate as normal.
Saturday 28th June
- 351 (Tenby-Kilgetty-Amroth-Pendine) – No service
- 381 (Haverfordwest-Narberth-Kilgetty-Saundersfoot-Tenby) – No service
- Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – No service
- 349 (Haverfordwest-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Tenby) – Will not serve Pembroke to Tenby until after 1pm
- 356 (Milford Haven-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Monkton) – No service to Pembroke Commons or Monkton until after 1pm
- 387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – Service will not operate until after 11am
Sunday 29th June
- 387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – No service
- Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – Will operate via the A4218 (Broadwell Hayes) instead of Marsh Road and Heywood Lane
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel where necessary.
Business
Mind the gap: Welsh employers and Gen Z out of sync on skills

New report reveals Wales has the UK’s highest skills shortage – but young people are ready to step up
A MAJOR new report by The Open University has revealed a growing disconnect between Welsh employers and the next generation of workers, potentially undermining efforts to tackle the country’s persistent skills shortages.
The Business Barometer 2025: Skills for today and tomorrow surveyed over 2,000 business leaders and 1,000 Gen Z adults across the UK — including 139 employers and 80 young people under 25 in Wales. It found that 58% of Welsh organisations are currently experiencing a skills shortage — the highest of all UK nations.
Yet despite this, only 31% of those employers have specific initiatives in place to recruit, retain or train under-25s.
Gen Z ready to respond — but need support
Encouragingly, over half (54%) of young people surveyed in Wales are aware of the national skills gap and are actively considering it in their career planning:
- 73% are choosing careers based on areas of high demand
- 66% say they would stay longer with employers who offer training and development
However, the report suggests that this willingness is not being met with sufficient guidance or opportunity — especially in fast-growing areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital, and green skills.
While 58% of Welsh Gen Z respondents say they are interested or already working in AI, one in five Welsh employers report lacking confidence in their ability to deliver AI strategies due to talent shortages.
Call for action on training and inclusion
Dr Scott McKenzie, Assistant Director for Learning, Skills and Innovation at The Open University in Wales, said: “The data is clear: there’s a mismatch between employer intentions and practical action. But there’s also a real opportunity. Welsh organisations can bridge the gap by developing structured skills plans, investing in flexible learning, and opening pathways to a more diverse talent pool. Those who act now will be the ones best placed to thrive in the future.”
Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, Chancellor of The Open University, added: “Young people are motivated, digitally savvy and want to contribute. Employers must meet that energy with training pathways and real opportunities. Waiting for skills to arrive is no longer enough — smart organisations will build them proactively.”
Diversity still lagging behind
While 80% of Welsh employers say equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) is important to their organisation, 25% admit to having no initiatives in place for underrepresented groups such as returners, career changers, or people with disabilities and neurodivergences.
This is seen as a missed opportunity to reduce economic inactivity and broaden the talent pipeline — especially in sectors where workforce shortages are most acute.
Skills shortage set to worsen
The Business Barometer, now in its ninth year, shows the issue is far from easing. In Wales:
- 38% of employers expect the skills gap to worsen over the next five years
- 60% say shortages are increasing workloads on existing staff
- 43% report reduced productivity
- 37% have scaled back growth plans
- 20% fear they won’t be able to meet their AI ambitions by 2030
Yet, despite these pressures, only 36% of Welsh employers have a formal skills plan in place. And while training is proven to aid staff retention, 30% say they hesitate to invest in staff development for fear employees will leave.
Full report and recommendations available at: https://business.open.ac.uk/business-barometer
-
Crime3 days ago
Milford Haven woman and inmate to appear in court following drugs raid
-
Crime7 days ago
Neyland man admits making indecent images of children
-
Crime6 days ago
Oil refinery worker caught drink-driving on wrong side of the road
-
News6 days ago
Councillor accused of conflict of interest over planning vote on rival venue
-
Crime1 day ago
Robbery at Milford Haven store: Man arrested after stealing vodka
-
News7 days ago
Sentence reduced for driver who caused baby’s death outside Withybush Hospital
-
Crime7 days ago
Rosemarket man avoids jail after breaching court order and stalking victim
-
Business5 days ago
Celtic Holiday Parks in administration as buyer sought