News

Climate matters: A glimpse into solutions for tomorrow’s crisis

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2023

CARDIGAN is set to play host to a compelling event centred around the ever-pressing climate crisis. Cardigan Extinction Rebellion is ushering in a series of lectures, exhibitions, and interactive stalls at the iconic Small World Theatre. The day-long event, slated for Saturday, 9th September, will commence at 9.30 am and conclude at 5 pm.

Speakers from varied disciplines are scheduled to shed light on the multifaceted issues of environmental and climate change. Further, discussions will be held on potential responses at both the national and local levels to these mounting concerns.

Determined to turn the spotlight onto local grassroots organisations, the event intends to highlight their pivotal role in championing change for a brighter ecological future. These groups have showcased commitment to creating a more resilient ecosystem and building adaptive communities.

David Grace, one of the primary organisers, voiced his admiration for these grassroots movements: “Despite the lack of clear leadership from central government, many initiatives have taken flight. It’s a testament to our society’s recognition that unsustainable consumption today will be tomorrow’s bane.”

The event promises a smorgasbord of participants. Green building initiatives, energy sectors, nature conservationists, community gardening groups, and repair cafes, among others, are scheduled to mark their presence. Enthusiasts can also familiarise themselves with electric bikes between 11 am and 3 pm. Attendees can indulge in additional treats like free seeds, saplings, and indulge in creative endeavours like block printing and badge making. The gastronomically inclined can anticipate a spread of refreshments and a hot meal come lunchtime.

Jeremy Williams, the acclaimed author of Climate Change is Racist: Race, Privilege and the Struggle for Climate Justice, will delve into the uneven impacts of climate change. Jake Rayson will navigate the challenges of gardening amidst the climate crisis, while Dr Hazel Beaumont from the University of the West of England will bridge the nexus between climate science and activism. Tim Wright, formerly an educator at Ysgol Gyfn Emlyn and with nearly four decades of expertise on the Teifi Estuary, is expected to present insights linking local and global climatic shifts.

Jane Mansfield, another key organiser, encapsulated the spirit of the event: “While grassroots can’t make sweeping policy decisions, we can steer them. By fostering close-knit, sustainable community networks, we can effectuate change one step at a time.”

For those looking to embark on their climate-conscious journey, or simply expand their horizon, this gathering is poised to be an enlightening experience.

Entry is facilitated through a generous donation system. For a comprehensive overview, please visit https://xraberteifi.uk/ or contact 07787 197630.

Crime

Pembrokeshire businessman sentenced for £150,000 Covid loan fraud

Published

35 minutes ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Director lied on three loan applications after already receiving funds

A PEMBROKESHIRE businessman who fraudulently claimed £150,000 in Bounce Back Loans during the Covid-19 pandemic has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

ZAHID AFZAL, aged 37, of Albert Street, Haverfordwest, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (June 12) to two years in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.

Afzal, the director of mobile phone businesses Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, had already received £52,500 in legitimate Covid loans when he applied for a further three loans—one for Phone Bits and two for Phones Onn—between May and November 2020.

The court heard that Afzal lied on each of the second-round applications, claiming they were the first he had made and exaggerating the turnover of the businesses. Each loan was for £50,000—the maximum permitted under the government-backed Bounce Back Loan Scheme.

The Insolvency Service, which investigated the case, found that the majority of the £150,000 Afzal fraudulently secured was transferred to his personal accounts, in breach of the loan scheme’s conditions.

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “It is clear from our investigations that Zahid Afzal felt he could continue to apply time and time again for loans he was not entitled to. His sentencing should serve as a reminder to those contemplating fraudulently pocketing taxpayers’ money to think again.”

Afzal’s companies operated phone shops and kiosks in Carmarthen, Shropshire, Andover, and North Devon. The Insolvency Service confirmed that no wrongdoing was found in relation to the original £20,000 and £32,500 loans he obtained for Phones Onn Ltd and Phone Bits Ltd respectively.

The government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme was introduced to support small and medium-sized businesses during the pandemic, offering loans of up to £50,000 at low interest, guaranteed by the Government. Loans were strictly intended for business use only.

The Insolvency Service has confirmed it is now seeking to recover the £150,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Crime

Police investigate ‘threats to kill’ at Milford Haven home

Published

39 minutes ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Financial dispute believed to be behind incident on Marble Hall Road

POLICE were called to a property in Milford Haven this week after reports that persons were threatening to kill the occupant.

The incident, which took place on Wednesday (June 11), led to a visible police presence at an address on Marble Hall Road. Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that officers are investigating.

In a statement, a police spokesperson said: “Officers are investigating a report of threats to kill made at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, on Wednesday 11 June. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The Herald understands the incident may be linked to a financial dispute over money owed, although this has not been officially confirmed by police.

No arrests have been announced at this stage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online or by calling 101.

Crime

Two arrested following affray near Milford Marina

Published

47 minutes ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TWO people were arrested on Friday evening (June 6) following a disturbance reported on Pill Road in Milford Haven.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers responded to a report of an affray at around 7:45pm. A man aged 30 and a woman aged 28 were arrested near Milford Marina shortly afterwards. Both have since been released on police bail.

Police clarified that, contrary to some rumours circulating locally, no drugs raid took place in connection with the incident.

The Herald understands that the arrests followed a confrontation involving multiple individuals, but police have not released further details, including the identities of those arrested.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police attended to a report of an affray on Pill Road, Milford Haven at around 7.45pm on Friday 6 June. One man, aged 30, and one woman, aged 28, were arrested on suspicion of affray and have been released on police bail.”

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.