News

‘Megafobia’ rollercoaster reopens after £1.5m makeover

Published

3 years ago

August 16, 2023

AN ADRENALINE-packed day at Oakwood Theme Park witnessed political leaders taking the front seats! The famed ‘Megafobia’ rollercoaster, having served thrill-seekers for over 25 years, unveiled its gleaming new look, post a whopping £1.5 million refurbishment.

Marking the occasion, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS, Samuel Kurtz, and the Welsh Conservatives’ stalwart, Andrew RT Davies MS, were present, zooming down the freshly-revived tracks of what’s known as the UK’s best wooden rollercoaster.

Oakwood, boasting a legacy of over three decades, stands as Wales’ sole and largest theme park, featuring an assortment of over 35 rides. Not only has it made hearts race with its exhilarating rides, but it has also significantly fuelled the local tourism scene.

A nostalgic Samuel Kurtz reminisced, “Oakwood has, for generations, been the hallmark of thrill in Wales. Riding the Megafobia post its majestic revamp, especially sharing the front seat experience with Andrew RT Davies, is a memory to cherish. Those gut-wrenching drops felt even more electrifying!” He also lauded the continued investments and vision of Aspro Parks, emphasizing the park’s role as a beacon of joy, especially following the challenges of the pandemic.

Echoing the sentiment, Andrew RT Davies expressed, “It’s undeniable – Oakwood is Pembrokeshire’s crown jewel! Riding the Megafobia was sheer fun, a testament to the park’s unwavering commitment to quality and entertainment.”

Phil Verbinnen, Oakwood Park Director, and Sue Elaiho, the UK Director of Aspro Parks, were on ground zero, welcoming the leaders and hinting at further invigorating developments in store for Oakwood’s future.

For fans and first-timers alike, the revamped Megafobia awaits to whisk you away on a ride you won’t soon forget!

News

Hakin motorist banned after driving 14 times over drug limit

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAKIN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Mark Briskham, 53, of Waterloo Square, Wellington Road, Hakin, was stopped by police on January 5 as he drove a Ford Kuga along Steynton Road, near Milford Haven.

Blood tests carried out at the police station showed he had 800mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 64mcg of cocaine in his system. The legal limit is 10mcg.

Briskham pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for three years, taking into account a previous drug-drive conviction from 2020.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.cr

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.

Crime

Waterston man denies child rape and sexual assault charges

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WATERSTON man has appeared before magistrates charged with 13 sexual offences against children, including three allegations of raping a girl under the age of 13.

Chaisee Price, 25, of Biggins Hill, Waterston, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

He faces three charges of raping a girl under 13, eight charges of sexually assaulting girls aged between five and eight, and two charges of intentionally inciting girls under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2019.

Price denied all charges.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on July 10.

Price was released on conditional bail.

The conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 6:00pm and 6:00am, no contact with the prosecution witness, no unsupervised contact with children under 18, and a requirement to surrender his passport to police.