News

PLANED staff volunteering brings in £10,000 for four Pembrokeshire community halls

Published

2 years ago

January 7, 2023

MEMBERS of staff in PLANED all volunteer outside of their main roles, and three of our staff, working in their spare time supporting local community and village halls in the Preseli area in the north of the county, have enabled £10,000 of funding to be obtained for their local venues.

Working through PLANED and using in-house skills to apply to the National Grid Community Matters Fund, the PLANED staff engaged with their local community halls were able to draw down the full grant available under the title of the ‘Preseli Community Fuel Support Project’.

The project championed by PLANED, will be able to support four halls identified – Bwlchygroes, Hermon, Crymych, and Brynberian – and through a small steering group involving applicable volunteers from each hall, deliver the collectively agreed outputs around advice and support during the challenging winter months ahead.

The funding will enable the halls to act as a catalyst for providing weekly support and information session within a safe, warm environment for local residents, with hot drinks and meals also being made available during the daylight hours each hall will be subsidised and supported to be opended by the funding.

Cris Tomos, who worked with colleagues including Hedd Harries and Sophie Jenkins on drawing down the funding via PLANED, noted “Bringing this serious amount of funding into those halls here in the north of the county, will enable tangible and practical support to be provided to both them as key community assets, and also for members of those communities to access and engage during the winter months.”

Iwan Thomas CEO of PLANED noted, “The key with bringing in this £10,000 of funding for those halls, is down to our great staff who volunteer in various groups and organisations, and working together, are able to draw down serious funding for a serious purpose and providing outcomes that communities actually need in this cost of living crisis. Working with existing campaigns and professional partners such as PAVS and the Pembrokeshire Community Hub to support the Keep Warm, Keep Well campaign, will be central to this joined up approach which PLANED are pleased to promote and support.”

The funding will start to be distributed early in the new year, with a series of weekly activities, open sessions, and information points all commencing in the four halls to now benefit from the volunteering of the PLANED staff.

News

Multi-agency exercise at South Hook LNG Terminal

Published

12 mins ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MULTI-AGENCY exercise is scheduled to take place at the South Hook LNG Terminal tomorrow (Sunday), between 8:00am and 3:00pm.

Local residents in the vicinity of the terminal have already been informed about the event. However, authorities wish to reassure the wider public that an increase in traffic and activity near the terminal is part of this pre-planned exercise.

The exercise is a routine collaboration among emergency services and stakeholders to ensure preparedness for potential scenarios.

Residents and commuters are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.

Crime

Police offer advice after 60 reports of stolen quad bikes from farms

Published

7 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is advising the rural community to make sure security measures are in place to protect quad bikes and other farm equipment, in response to a spate of thefts.

There have been over 60 reports of stolen quad bikes across the force in 2024.

Farmers and other owners of quad bikes are reminded to be vigilant of suspicious vehicles and people in their community and to report any concerns to police.

Dyfed-Powys Police has acquired 150 SelectaDNA Rural Kits to support their efforts in combating rural crime. These advanced DNA asset-marking kits will be used to offer free property marking services to farmers, helping them protect their valuable equipment and machinery.

In addition to property marking, our Rural Crime Team officers, who are also qualified Crime Prevention Tactical Advisors (CPTAC), will visit farms to conduct comprehensive crime prevention audits. These audits are designed to ensure farms have the best security measures in place to deter criminal activity and safeguard their livelihoods.

The SelectaDNA Rural Kits use a unique DNA solution that can be applied to tools, vehicles, machinery, and other valuable assets. This marking is virtually invisible but can be detected under UV light, providing an indisputable link between stolen property and its rightful owner. This has proven to be a powerful deterrent against theft and an invaluable tool in recovering stolen items.

Rural communities are often targeted by criminals due to their remote locations and the high value of farming equipment.By offering free property marking and crime prevention visits, Dyfed-Powys Police aim to empower farmers with effective tools and advice to protect their assets and reduce the risk of crime.

Sergeant Paul Roberts from our Rural Crime Team, said: “I ask that local farmers and other quad bike owners take appropriate action to minimise the opportunities of these thefts occurring. This includes removing keys from ignitions after use and locking barns or outbuildings wherever the vehicles may be kept.

“I’m aware that thefts of quad bikes and farming machinery causes disruption to farmers’ work, as well as the financial implications, and I would like to reassure the public that police are thoroughly investigating these matters.

“I encourage anyone living in rural communities to remain vigilant to this type of theft, and to report any suspicious vehicles or behaviour to police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

The Rural Crime Team will be attending marts across the force, where community members can bring items such as tools, machinery, and bikes to be marked.

Farmers can also arrange a visit from our Rural Crime Team to mark equipment and conduct a security audit by emailing [email protected]

Visit our website for more information and advice about rural crime and what prevention measure you can take – https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/

News

Family pays tribute to ‘budding artist’ after tragic loss

Published

7 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of a 14-year-old girl who died on Friday (Nov 15) has paid tribute to a “budding artist, rugby player and social media lover.”

Seren Jenkins, from Tycroes, Ammanford, tragically passed away following a medical emergency at Ammanford Rugby Club.

In a heartfelt statement, her family said: “We as a family are devastated by the loss of Seren.

“She was a loving daughter, big and little sister.

“Seren lived her short life to the full and was a budding artist, rugby player and social media lover.

“Seren was loved by all who knew her and no doubt will also be remembered for her sense of humour.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the emergency services at the scene and everybody for the GoFundMe page donations for Seren, where proceeds will likely be donated to various asthma services, the Wales Air Ambulance, and a possible memorial for her friends to remember her.

“We would also like to thank people for their kind words and support at this horrific time, but would now like to ask for this time to grieve in private.”

A GoFundMe page set up in Seren’s memory has received widespread support, reflecting the community’s shock and sadness at her loss.

Seren’s family described her as someone who brought joy to all who knew her, with a zest for life and a talent for art and rugby. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and laughter.