News
Views sought on flood risk strategy

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is seeking the views of the public on its draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. The document sets out guiding principles for Flood Risk Management in the County. The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, Councillor Huw George, explained: “We can only manage flood risk. It is not possible to prevent all flooding even if we had the money because there will always be storm events that exceed the design capacity of any drainage system. “What we need to do is work together to find sustainable solutions to local problems.” The guiding principles include: • Embracing a collaborative, local approach to managing the risks and consequences of flood and coastal erosion, and the provision and funding of innovative schemes to reduce those risks • Increasing the understanding of the risks of flooding and ensuring everyone in Pembrokeshire is aware of these risks, and understands their responsibility to protect their own property from flooding • Ensuring new development fully embraces sustainable drainage principles and does not increase flood risk • Developing and maintain effective emergency plans and responses to flood incidents • Encouraging effective maintenance of all structures and watercourses. Further information is provided in the draft strategy which also details the roles and responsibilities of the organisations in Pembrokeshire and explains the duties of the public to protect themselves from the consequences of flooding. You can find a copy of the draft strategy, together with the supporting environmental impact assessment documents, on the Council’s website at: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ haveyoursay You are invited to give your views in writing to: Emyr Williams, Assistant Engineer, Pembrokeshire County Council, County Hall, Haverfordwest SA61 1TP by Monday,15th September. You can also submit your views by email to: emyr.williams@ pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Crime
Domestic abuse a ‘public health emergency’, say campaigners

Report finds NHS training ‘inconsistent’ as victims fall through the cracks
DOMESTIC abuse should be treated as a public health emergency, a leading charity has warned, after a new report exposed widespread failings by the NHS in identifying and supporting victims.
According to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, more than 12 million people in England and Wales—around one in four adults—have experienced domestic abuse. The charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (Stada) says that, despite frequent contact with both victims and perpetrators, NHS staff are often ill-equipped to intervene.
Stada reviewed domestic homicide and suicide cases published during 2024 and found that in 9 out of 10 cases, the NHS had failed in its safeguarding duties. The most common failing was a lack of proper training for staff on recognising signs of abuse.
Although national guidance recommends mandatory training for frontline NHS staff, the report found that provision remains patchy and inconsistent across services. Failures to record risk properly, share information between agencies, and link victims with mental health or alcohol support services were also highlighted.
The warning comes as a separate study in The Lancet found that more than one in four women who died by suicide and were under secondary mental health care had previously suffered domestic abuse.
Cherryl Henry-Leach, chief executive of Stada, said: “Treating domestic abuse purely as a criminal justice issue costs lives. The NHS is uniquely placed to help, but it must be properly resourced and trained to do so.”
The report urges the government to fund standardised training and improve data sharing. Without urgent reforms, Stada warns that the government’s stated aim of halving violence against women and girls by 2034 will not be met.
Tim Woodhouse, a suicide prevention expert, said as many as 1,800 suicides a year may be linked to domestic abuse, calling it “a national scandal”.
Andrea Simon, from the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said healthcare workers are often the only professionals victims may encounter: “They must be trained to spot the signs and know what to do. Inaction can lead to serious harm or even death.”
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, added: “Given the trusted relationships GPs have with patients, it is deeply worrying that chances to help might be missed.”
In response, an NHS spokesperson said: “All NHS staff must complete safeguarding training which includes domestic abuse, and this training is currently being reviewed and updated.”
A UK Government spokesperson said a new strategy to prevent domestic abuse is due later this year. “We remain committed to protecting victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring healthcare professionals have the tools to support survivors,” they said.
Help is available for domestic abuse victims in Pembrokeshire
Support services offer confidential advice, refuge and counselling
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Pembrokeshire is urged to seek help. Support is available 24 hours a day, and no one should suffer in silence.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
There are several local and national organisations offering confidential support, practical advice and emergency accommodation:
Key Helplines
- Live Fear Free Helpline (24/7, confidential):
📞 0808 80 10 800
📱 Text: 07860 077333
📧 Email: [email protected] - Victim Support (for anyone affected by crime):
📞 0808 16 89 111 - Refuge National Helpline (for women and children):
📞 0808 2000 247
Local Services in Pembrokeshire
- Pembrokeshire Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS)
Offers outreach, one-to-one support, refuge, counselling, and children’s programmes.
📞 01554 752 422 - Stori (formerly Hafan Cymru)
Provides housing support, drop-in advice and specialist help for women, men and families.
📍 8 High Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 2DA
🕘 Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
📞 01437 768 761
📧 Email: [email protected] - Welsh Women’s Aid
A national organisation working with local providers to ensure survivors get the help they need.
Contact via the Live Fear Free Helpline above.
You are not alone.
Whether you need immediate safety, someone to talk to, or long-term support, these services are here to help. All calls are confidential and support is available for women, men and children.
Business
Mayor welcomes Eyemazy to Tenby with official opening

TENBY Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan officially welcomed a unique new business to the town on Sunday (June 23) with the opening of Eyemazy, a creative studio specialising in transforming photographs of the human iris into striking pieces of personalised art.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said: “Tenby has always been a place of breathtaking beauty, creativity, and warm community spirit. Today, we celebrate something new that captures all of that—and more.”
Eyemazy, which offers cutting-edge imaging and custom artwork services, allows visitors to turn a close-up image of their eye into a one-of-a-kind visual display. The studio adds to Tenby’s growing reputation as a hub of artistic innovation and tourism.
“This innovative studio transforms something truly personal—your iris—into a unique work of art,” added the Mayor. “It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty within each of us. Eyemazy not only brings artistic flair to Tenby but also strengthens our local economy and continues our proud tradition of blending creativity with commerce.”
Cllr Morgan concluded by offering a warm welcome to the Eyemazy team and said he looked forward to the studio becoming a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
News
Tenby station rebranded as ‘Home of Long Course Weekend’ in sustainable travel push

Sporting event teams up with Transport for Wales to promote greener travel and boost local economy
TENBY Railway Station has been officially rebranded as The Home of Long Course Weekend in a new partnership between Transport for Wales (TfW) and the internationally renowned endurance festival.
The move is part of Long Course Weekend’s wider Sustainability Strategy, aimed at encouraging athletes, families and spectators to travel to Tenby by train—not only for the event itself but also for training breaks and year-round holidays in one of the UK’s most picturesque regions.
Launched in Tenby in 2010, Long Course Weekend has grown into a global phenomenon with editions in New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Mallorca and Yorkshire. Despite its international expansion, the event’s roots remain firmly in Wales, drawing over 50,000 visitors to Pembrokeshire each year and generating more than 160,000 bed nights annually—contributing millions to the local economy.

Now in its 15th year, the event is reaffirming its local commitment by transforming Tenby’s railway station into a branded celebration of sport, sustainability and community pride. The initiative comes as Transport for Wales increases services to the coastal town for the summer season.
Matthew Evans, founder of Long Course Weekend, said: “It’s incredible to see how far LCW has come, but Tenby is—and always will be—our first home. Partnering with TfW helps us open the door to a more sustainable future, inviting athletes, families and visitors to arrive in style while reducing their environmental impact. The increased train services this summer are fantastic for Tenby and for Pembrokeshire’s ambition to be a global leader in sustainable tourism.”
Victoria Leyshon, Partnership Marketing Manager at Transport for Wales, added:
“We’re thrilled to work with LCW to celebrate what makes Wales special—from world-class sporting events to stunning destinations like Tenby. By encouraging rail travel, we’re supporting a cleaner, greener Wales and welcoming thousands to an iconic coastal location.”
Tenby Mayor David Morgan welcomed the initiative, saying: “It’s great to see the strides made by Long Course Weekend and Transport for Wales—from the new station branding to the real improvements in local transport. Most importantly, the increased train services over the summer will benefit both visitors and the people who live here. We’re looking forward to another brilliant event.”
Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall added: “We are delighted to see LCW and TfW promoting sustainable travel for athletes year-round. It’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking partnership we should be celebrating.”
More than a station makeover, the project represents a gateway to Wales and a call to explore its landscapes—anchored in community, sport and sustainability.
-
Crime2 days ago
Milford Haven woman and inmate to appear in court following drugs raid
-
Crime6 days ago
Neyland man admits making indecent images of children
-
Crime5 days ago
Oil refinery worker caught drink-driving on wrong side of the road
-
News6 days ago
Councillor accused of conflict of interest over planning vote on rival venue
-
News6 days ago
Sentence reduced for driver who caused baby’s death outside Withybush Hospital
-
Crime24 hours ago
Robbery at Milford Haven store: Man arrested after stealing vodka
-
Crime6 days ago
Rosemarket man avoids jail after breaching court order and stalking victim
-
Business4 days ago
Celtic Holiday Parks in administration as buyer sought
Teifion
September 2, 2014 at 1:50 pm
might be a good idea Mr George to not allow planning permission in flood risk areas?