News
Summer party at Innovation Centre encourages employers to become fostering friendly
TENANTS of the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC), Pembroke Dock hosted a Summer Party for their friends and families and extended an invitation to those involved with foster care.
This included members of the Regional Foster Wales Team and Foster Wales Pembrokeshire, the local authority fostering team, foster carers, their families and the children they care for.
John Likeman of Raven Technologies, one of the many businesses operating from the BIC, organised the event in order to raise awareness of the need for foster carers in Pembrokeshire.
He also wants to encourage businesses to adopt a more fostering friendly policy to enable them to support their employees to become foster carers.

“We, as employers, need to be reactive – able to be accommodating and compassionate towards our foster caring colleagues.
“The businesses which operate at the Bridge Innovation Centre are so kind and have reacted so positively to this event with many pledging to become fostering friendly and foster flexible organisations,” added Mr Likeman.
Foster Wales is calling on employers to recognise the contribution that foster carers make and understanding the need for some flexibility to bust the myth that you cannot work if you become a foster carer.
Nicky Sandford, Foster Wales Regional Development Manager for Mid and West Wales said: “Nearly 40 per cent of foster carers combine fostering with other work. Those who do have told us that a supportive employer can make all the difference, enabling them to balance employment with looking after children.”
Melany Evans, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Service Manager for Children in Care thanked Mr Likeman and the BIC for their support.
She added: “There are more than 240 children in the care of the local authority in Pembrokeshire and we need more foster carers who are able to offer them the stable and loving homes that they deserve.
“If employers in can support their employees to become foster carers, we can help more children stay local, connected to their communities, and ultimately, to achieve better futures.”
Also in attendance was Voices from Care Cymru, an independent voice for the care community.
Operations Director, Emma Phipps-Magill, said: “It is important, along with stable foster care, that our care experienced children and young people are given an avenue to connect with peers, be listened to and have a voice in influencing change for themselves and others.”
To find out more email [email protected] or [email protected].
More information about Foster Wales Pembrokeshire is available online or call 01437 774650.

News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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