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Coach crash: Police appeal as one fatality confirmed

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A FATAL road traffic collision occurred on the A477 near the Cleddau Bridge on Tuesday afternoon, 5th September 2023. The devastating incident involved a private car and a coach from Titterington Holidays, based in Penrith, Cumbria.

According to an official press release from the Dyfed-Powys Police, the male driver of the car unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the scene. Specialist officers have since informed and are supporting the bereaved family. The coach’s driver, who sustained serious injuries in the crash, has been hospitalised and is currently in a stable condition.

The coach, carrying 24 holidaymakers from the Cumbria region, met with this accident during a five-day trip. Paul Titterington, owner of Titterington Holidays, confirmed the involvement of one of their company’s coaches. The passengers, representing a diverse age group, were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. Fortunately, all of them have been discharged following necessary care.

The collision necessitated an immediate and extensive response from emergency services. An air ambulance was dispatched to the scene to airlift the severely trapped driver. Meanwhile, fire crews from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service worked tirelessly, not only to free the trapped motorist but also to administer first aid to the injured passengers. As a result, several passengers were transported to the hospital via road ambulances and police vehicles.

Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford, expressed his concern, stating, “It’s worrying to hear news of a major incident on the Cleddau Bridge in Pembrokeshire. My thoughts are with all those involved, and I extend my gratitude to the first responders and emergency services working at the scene.”

Hywel Dda Health Board made an urgent appeal, requesting locals to only visit the Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest for life-threatening conditions or severe injuries. This step was taken to ensure that the medical staff could focus on providing an efficient response to the emergency at hand.

The aftermath of the accident resulted in significant traffic disruptions. The main A477 road connecting Pembroke Dock to Milford Haven was temporarily closed, causing considerable delays for commuters. Lauren Joseph, a local resident, shared her experience, recounting an hour-long, 35-mile diversion post the incident. “As I reached the bridge after work, council officials advised a detour due to the accident. The congestion due to the crash has severely reduced the usual speed limit,” she commented.

The road has since reopened as of 4.30 am on 6th September. Dyfed-Powys Police expressed their gratitude for the public’s patience during the investigative and recovery operations. They are now appealing to anyone with valuable information or witnesses of the incident to come forward and assist in their ongoing investigations.

Members of the public can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, via email, or by calling the dedicated hotline. Those who are deaf or have speech and hearing impairments can text the non-emergency number provided.

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‘Last chance’ warning for Pembrokeshire farm barn attraction

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A PEMBROKESHIRE farm barn attraction, which gained a 3,500-strong petition of support after previously being refused by planning officers, is being given a “last chance saloon” to justify staying open ahead of a site visit.

Late last year, Stuart Williams of Home Farm, Leweston, near Camrose, was refused retrospective permission by planning officers to retain the Willhome Farm Barn farm park – and ancillary buildings – built in June 2022.

The site – whose facilities were used by the council’s own educational providers and parents of children with learning difficulties – is home to rabbits, llamas, donkeys, poultry, owls, goats, ponies and pigs, along with a café building, public conveniences, a children’s play area, and parking.

The attraction was set up as a form of diversification after the farm lost its entire cattle herd through bovine tuberculosis; developing over time to having more than 150 children and students visiting a week.

It was previously refused by officers due to highway safety concerns and fears it would generate additional foul water flows which are likely to result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River.

Since the refusal by planners, a change.org petition, Grant Planning Permission for Willhome Farm Barn in Pembrokeshire, was set up by Hook-based Jessica Austin, which has attracted more than 3,500 signatures to date.

Jessica’s petition said: “This decision not only affects this resilient family but also impacts schools attended with over 6,000 pupils, by adults from local wellbeing centres and families with children who have autism or learning difficulties like mine.”

Earlier this year, the applicant submitted a fresh call, which was again due to be decided by planning officers.

At the request of local county councillor, and former council leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, a special meeting was held in July backing a decision for it to be made by councillors rather than officers.

The application was due to be heard at the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, with a recommendation of refusal, reasons including those given for the previous application, the application returning to the December meeting to allow the applicant’s agent more time to address planning issues.

It was again recommended for refusal at the December meeting.

Speaking at the December meeting, agent Carys Thomas felt highways concerns could be dealt with through passing bays and temporary signage, an informal agreement having been entered into with a local landowner.

Local member Cllr Jamie Adams said the area had seen a decline in agricultural stock vehicle movements, following a decline in cattle numbers, suggesting concerns about increased traffic generated by the attraction was something of “a misnomer”.

He added: “Without supporting the changing needs of farms in Pembrokeshire we will lose the economic drivers of our communities, communities like mine in Camrose, it’s farms that support many of the other rural business and many of the services in the communities.”

One of the sticking points for officers was the length of time of the “long and arduous process” of the various applications and their reasons for refusal, dating back some 18 months, with what they saw as insufficient information to address their concerns, members heard.

Cllr John T Davies moved a site visit before any decision, allowing the applicants a final chance to address the planning issues, describing his proposal as “a final opportunity, a last-chance saloon,” adding: “If it’s not addressed by then I will be very clear in my vote of refusal; one final opportunity, one final throw of the dice.”

Members, by eight votes to four, backed a site visit ahead of a final decision, the application expected to return to the February meeting.

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Business

Pure West Radio brings festive cheer with ‘Pure X-Mas’ on DAB

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PEMBROKESHIRE residents can now enjoy the perfect festive soundtrack as Pure West Radio launches its dedicated Christmas station, “Pure X-Mas,” on DAB radio. Running from Saturday (Nov 30) to New Year’s Eve, the station promises nonstop Christmas music and holiday cheer for all listeners.

“Pure X-Mas” offers an exciting mix of timeless classics and modern holiday hits, creating a joyful atmosphere for decorating trees, wrapping presents, or simply enjoying the season.

Station Manager Toby Ellis said:
“This Christmas, we’re making it easier than ever for Pembrokeshire and beyond to tune into the magic of the season. Pure X-Mas on DAB is our gift to the community – a station entirely dedicated to spreading festive joy and creating lasting memories.”

Exclusively available on DAB, “Pure X-Mas” guarantees crystal-clear sound and easy access for listeners across North and South Pembrokeshire. Simply tune your DAB radio to Pure West Radio’s dedicated Christmas station and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season.

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Community

Brave special guardians to share their stories at Torch Theatre

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THE TORCH THEATRE is set to host a poignant event on Thursday, December 12, celebrating the experiences of Special Guardians. Running from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, the event will feature eight courageous Special Guardians sharing their stories, alongside Sophie Pierce, the visionary behind this groundbreaking project.

The showcase will blend professionally produced films with heartfelt personal storytelling, offering a unique insight into the lives and contributions of Special Guardians. This event aims to shine a spotlight on their vital, often unrecognized roles, amplifying their voices and calling attention to their experiences in an unprecedented way.

Organisers hope the presentation will resonate with audiences both locally and nationally, sparking greater awareness and inspiring changes in policies to better support these dedicated individuals.

Angela Moore, a project worker with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Family and Friends Team, shared her aspirations for the event: “We want to get these films seen, and their words heard, nationally to increase awareness and recognition of the vital role Special Guardians play and to support policy improvement.”

Tickets for this inspiring event are free, but attendees are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance by emailing Angela Moore at [email protected].

Don’t miss this chance to honour the remarkable contributions of Special Guardians and experience their powerful stories brought to life.

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