News

Bridge closed for second time in a week after ‘concerns for person’s welfare’

Published

4 years ago

October 7, 2022

THE CLEDDAU BRIDGE was closed to traffic for the second time in a week after there were calls about concerns for a person’s welfare.

Traffic was stopped from making the half-mile long crossing at around 11.45am on Friday (Oct 7) – a short while after the bridge re-opened by police.

The bridge was also closed just after midnight on Sunday morning after reports of concern over a person in distress.

A number of police units attended that incident, and an ambulance was put on standby, but thankfully was not needed. The bridge was closed for around a hour, with a diversion put in place.

Nearby residents said they noted the flashing lights from multiple emergency services on the bridge and posted statuses on Facebook wishing for the person’s safety.

Some other witnesses on the Pembroke Dock side of the estuary noted activity in the water from small vessels in the area under the bridge, which they believed may have been boats put on standby.

In a statement a spokesperson from the Welsh Ambulance Service said at the time: “We were called in the early hours of Sunday morning at 12:43am to reports of an incident on the A477, Cleddau Bridge.

“We sent one emergency ambulance but were subsequently stood down.”

At just after 1am Sunday the police posted the following on their official Facebook page, confirming that the incident was over: “Cleddau Bridge has now reopened. Thank you for your patience.”

Police also closed the Cleddau Bridge at 4am on Monday, August 29 due to an incident. On Twitter police asked for people to avoid the area. No specifics were released as to the nature of the incident, although it is understood it was similar in nature.

In light of all this, pressure is being put on the local council to examine ways of reducing the number of suicide attempts off Cleddau Bridge following reports that suicide rates have reached their highest level for two decades.

The problem is being exacerbated by the fact that an increasing number of young people are struggling to find adequate support from their mental health crisis teams.

Vicki Nash, head of policy and campaigns at the charity Mind said last month: “A significant proportion of people who take their own lives have asked for support for their mental health within the last 12 months,” commented

“But no one who is in touch with the mental health services or who is asking for help, should reach the point of taking their own life.

She added: “If they are, then it means that our services are failing people when they need help them the most.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have used World Mental Health Day to reiterate their calls for a 24/7 mental health service in Wales.

The Party first called for a complete overhaul of mental health services in Wales during the last Senedd elections, calling for mental health to be given equal status to physical health.

The Party’s calls come after Welsh Government figures released last week showed there had been a 10% increase in detentions under the Mental Health Act in Wales during the last year.

The latest Welsh Government statistics also show large waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (sCAMHS) across Wales with 57% of patients waiting longer than the four-week target time for their first referral. Cardiff and the Vale Health Board fairs particularly badly with 85% waiting over the target time.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called for the Labour Government to introduce plans to introduce a 24/7 mental health crisis care system; increase the share of funding that goes towards mental health to 13 percent of the Welsh NHS budget by 2028 and appoint a dedicated Minister of Mental Health until backlogs are cleared.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “On Mental Health Day we rightly recognise the progress we have made in removing the stigma that used to surround the issue.

“However, we are still failing far too many people, especially young people. The fact that the number of people detained under the Mental Health Act has risen 10% in a year only goes to show many people aren’t able to access the treatment they need and instead reach a crisis point.

“The risk of a significant generational chasm in mental health treatment, especially in places like Cardiff where the figures have been dire for so long is especially worrying.

“Labour must ensure that mental health is treated equally to physical health. If a child had a broken leg we would not wait over four weeks to treat it, why should it be acceptable for a child experiencing a mental health crisis to wait so long?

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats have championed the cause of Wales’ mental health, having pushed for greater mental health funding during budget discussions with the Welsh Government, including an immediate cash boost to mental health services.

“These statistics make it clear however that Labour are not meeting expectations and the Liberal Democrats will continue to call for the creation of a 24/7 mental health service in Wales alongside increases in funding towards mental health services in Wales.

“The work voluntary organisations who work with young people suffering from poor mental health do is invaluable and if we are to tackle this epidemic, the Welsh Government must look at sustainable funding capacity for those organisations.”

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

12 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

13 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.