News
Authorities confirm ongoing commitment to probe paddleboarding tradedy

TWO years subsequent to the devastating paddleboarding mishap on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, which resulted in the loss of four lives, authorities have declared their ongoing commitment to probing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
On the fateful morning of October 30, 2021, a group of paddleboarders engaged in a guided expedition encountered perilous conditions near Haverfordwest Weir, caused by torrential rainfall.
The tragedy claimed the lives of Paul O’Dwyer, aged 42, from Sandfields, Port Talbot; Morgan Rogers, aged 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil; and Nicola Wheatley, aged 40, from Pontardulais, Swansea, all of whom were pronounced deceased at the the incident.
In a later development, Andrea Powell, aged 41, from Bridgend, who was initially rescued from the river and rushed to Withybush Hospital, succumbed to her injuries on November 5, 2021.
Additionally, emergency service personnel were compelled to rescue another five individuals from the treacherous waters.
The episode precipitated a substantial coordinated rescue endeavour involving teams from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Wales Ambulance Service Trust, Dyfed-Powys Police, the Coast Guard, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
In an act bravery, Joel Williams, a young local, courageously plunged into the water and retrieved an imperilled individual onto the riverbank. He then administered life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation until professional help arrived.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published an official enquiry into the incident in December of the preceding year, unearthing considerable lapses in the domains of planning, preparedness, training, safety protocols, and the provision of adequate signage.
Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll, OBE, described the event as ‘a tragic and preventable occurrence’.
In the immediate aftermath, Dyfed-Powys Police detained a South Wales woman on allegations of gross negligence manslaughter, later releasing her pending further investigation.
As the second anniversary of the tragedy dawns, the force has reiterated its dedication to the ongoing investigation, confirming that pertinent evidence has been conveyed to the Crown Prosecession Service (CPS).
A representative for Dyfed-Powys Police told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The investigation perseveres, with a dossier of evidence submitted to the CPS for adjudication. We are maintaining regular contact with the bereaved families to provide updates.”
News
A40 closed after serious crash near Wolfscastle

AIR AMBULANCE LANDS AT SCENE AS TRAFFIC DISRUPTED
THE A40 between Wolfscastle and Haverfordwest was closed in both directions on Friday afternoon (Apr 11) following a serious road traffic collision.
The crash, which was first reported at 12:10pm, prompted a significant emergency services response, including Dyfed-Powys Police and the Wales Air Ambulance, which was seen landing at the scene shortly after the incident.
AA Roadwatch confirmed that the road was shut in both directions, with slow-moving traffic and congestion reported in the surrounding area for several hours after the collision.
Police urged motorists to avoid the area and to seek alternative routes while emergency crews dealt with the incident.
At the time of writing, no official update has been given on the number of vehicles involved or whether there were any injuries. Dyfed-Powys Police have been approached for comment.
Traffic disruption remains ongoing, with live road maps showing long delays approaching Haverfordwest from the east.
More updates will follow as information becomes available.
Crime
Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.
The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in relation to an investigation of assault.”
No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.
Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.
The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Business
Haverfordwest opticians celebrate 100 years of long service

WALES’ LARGEST Specsavers store is celebrating a series of individual long service milestones, with nine team members collectively marking a century of long service in 2025.
At the heart of the celebrations is Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest, who has worked at the company for 20 years.
Since becoming a partner in 2006, Mr Britton has overseen the store’s transformation from a small site with just four test rooms to a state-of-the-art £1.2 million premises at 21 Riverside Quay. The enhanced store now boasts 14 test rooms equipped with cutting edge technology and a significantly larger team, growing from 11 to 45 employees.
Haverfordwest residents benefit from Mr Britton’s clinical expertise – he holds multiple postgraduate diplomas that allow him to prescribe medication directly to customers, helping to ease pressure on local GP surgeries and hospitals. He has also led the introduction of enhanced services, including glaucoma monitoring, ensuring more people can access specialist care closer to home.
Reflecting on his career, Mr Britton says: ‘It’s been a privilege to serve the Haverfordwest community over the last 20 years. I’m proud of the team we’ve built and the progress we’ve made – all with the aim of delivering the best possible care for our customers.’
Mr Britton’s anniversary was celebrated alongside colleagues Elise Evans, Gareth Riley and Carrie Lewis-Jones – each marking 15 years with Specsavers – as well as other team members celebrating 10 and five-year milestones.
Fellow director, Wayne Jones, was among those celebrating five years with the business, after joining the Haverfordwest store in 2020. He was named a finalist for Optometrist of the Year at the Optometry Wales Awards in 2023 and then in 2024, joined forces with Mr Britton as retail director of the store.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr Jones says: ‘Our team’s experience and dedication are what makes Specsavers Haverfordwest so special. Reaching 100 years of individual long service milestones in 2025 is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a real testament to the commitment of our colleagues, and we look forward to many more successful years ahead.’
To mark the occasion, the directors hosted an in-store awards ceremony, presenting certificates and bottles of champagne to the nine long-serving team members celebrating.
Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.
Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.
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