News

Over 100,000 people read The Pembrokeshire Herald’s first digital edition

Published

11 months ago

July 8, 2023

OVER 100,000 people read The Pembrokeshire Herald e-newspaper, or downloaded it, analytics on the Herald’s website have confirmed.

In a significant shift towards the digital landscape the newspaper stopped printing its traditional £1.50 paper edition last Friday (Jul 30) and instead published larger 128-page bumper edition online – free of charge for readers.

The digital launch, which co-incited with the publication’s 10th birthday, was pushed through posts on the paper’s social media channels, as well as direct emails to subscribers and over 7,000 advertising customers who have worked with The Pembrokeshire Herald over the last ten years.

The digital move meant that last week’s edition was seen by 103,351 people – most of them on the Friday – the figures show that more than seven times the number of readers saw the paper as compared to the traditional print publication.

The average read time for customers using the flash page turner was 2 mins 42 seconds, a considerable result for an online publication – and those who downloaded it onto desktops, laptops and tablets may have spent considerably more time reading the paper.

Editor Tom Sinclair expressed his enthusiasm for the new digital format, stating, “The launch of the digital paper has been a huge success. With the new digital format, every advertiser will have a click-through link to their website featured in all editions. This innovative approach not only maximizes advertising space but also significantly enhances exposure for businesses.” The digital edition of the Herald will now boast an impressive 128 pages, an increase of 48 pages compared to previous editions.

The expanded content covers a wide range of new topics and introduce exciting sections such as the Locals School Section and Mental Health Section. The newspaper will also place a stronger emphasis on local sports and sports teams. Sinclair further highlighted that readers will find click-through links to relevant charities, ensuring easy access to help for those in need.

Boden Llewellyn, a senior advertising executive, anticipates substantial growth in readership, projecting a minimum of 170,000 weekly readers within the next few weeks. Llewellyn noted, “Moreover, we have witnessed an average of 500,000 monthly followers actively engaging with our online news stories. Many individuals will discover our paper for the first time, as a significant number of people shifted away from print media years ago.”

You can read the latest edition of The Pembrokeshire Herald by clicking here

Crime

Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order

Published

7 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Court Reporter

AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.

On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.

The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.

The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.

News

Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved

Published

8 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.

The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.

The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.

Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.

“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”

Crime

Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire

Published

9 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.

Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.

Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.

Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.