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Flooding across Pembrokeshire could get worse due to saturated ground conditions

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As Storm Ciaran unleashed its fury upon Wales, Pembrokeshire finds itself battling severe flooding, prompting urgent warnings and road closures across the county. Pembrokeshire council officials and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have issued alerts, urging residents to exercise caution and vigilance in the face of adverse weather conditions.

A spokesperson for the Pembrokeshire council, in a statement released earlier today, emphasised the need for drivers to adjust their speed and driving behaviour according to the current weather conditions. Several roads have been closed or restricted to one lane due to flooding, posing significant challenges for commuters. Among the affected areas are the B4318 from Gumfreston to Tenby, Saundersfoot, Coppet Hall, the A4139 outside Kiln Park Garage in Tenby, Angle Village, Hayston Bridge/Scoveston, Burton junction to the Cleddau Bridge, Llangwm up to Troopers Inn, Heath Close in Johnston, Clay Lane in Merlins Bridge, Clarbeston Village, Llandyssilio, Treffgarne, Spittal, and Eglwyswrw B4313.

Ross Akers, NRW’s duty tactical manager, highlighted the ongoing risk of significant floods, particularly in North and Mid Wales. He urged residents to stay informed about the weather forecasts and be prepared for potential flooding. Akers also warned against approaching swollen rivers and discouraged driving or walking through floodwater, which might be deceptively deeper and contain hidden hazards. The NRW’s flood warning service, available at naturalresources.wales/flooding, offers real-time updates, ensuring residents stay abreast of the evolving situation.

A specific flood warning has been issued for the River Solva at Middle Mill, near Solva, covering properties adjacent to the river, including the Woolen Mill. NRW stated that river levels in the River Solva at Solva were anticipated to rise until at least 2 pm on Thursday, November 2. Although the heaviest rainfall has cleared the area, residents have been advised to remain cautious.

NRW spokespersons have further emphasised the saturated ground conditions, leading to continued rising of river levels throughout the day and tomorrow. In addition to river-related risks, surface water flooding and strong winds are also expected, amplifying the challenges faced by residents and emergency services alike. NRW’s continuous efforts, in collaboration with various partners, aim to mitigate risks to communities. However, the possibility of additional flood alerts and warnings being issued remains high.

Residents are urged to keep a close watch on weather forecasts, stay updated with the latest information from official sources, and adhere to safety instructions. The Met Office warnings remain in place, indicating the persisting threat of adverse weather conditions across Wales.

Crime

Police arrest suspects following vehicle interferences in Haverfordwest

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HAVERFORDWEST police responded swiftly after reports of multiple vehicle interferences in the Tasker Way area on Sunday night/early Monday morning (Nov 4).

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPPT) conducted extensive house-to-house enquiries, gathering evidence and reassuring the community. These efforts led to the identification of two suspects.

Both NPPT and Response teams acted promptly, locating and arresting the suspects, who are now in police custody.

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Ancient Welsh hymns brought into 21st century with unique collaboration between Lleuwen Steffan and National Eisteddfod

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Some of Wales’ long-forgotten hymn tunes are being brought vividly back to life this month, thanks to award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Lleuwen Steffan and her unique collaboration with the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

Performing as ‘Tafod Arian’ (Silver Tongue), the collaboration pays homage to the lost voices of the past, and infuses these timeless melodies with some highly contemporary electronic arrangements.

The project originated in 2012 when Lleuwen was working on a music project at St Fagan’s National History Museum where she came across some long-forgotten recordings of hymns which had been left in the sound archives.  None of these hymns could be found in the official hymn books nor the older hymnal editions, possibly as the result of their informal, conversational lyrics, or because they often delved into the world of addiction, mental illness and the darker side of the psyche.

But now these unpublished and unknown hymns will be heard for the first time in over a hundred years when Tabernacl Chapel, Maenclochog, will be one of 50 Welsh chapels to be visited by Tafod Arian.

With translations and insights, the tour breathes new life into archive recordings, ensuring these cherished sacred songs rightfully claim their place in today’s spotlight. Lleuwen masterfully combines electronic and acoustic instrumentation, seamlessly blending the past with the present, and takes the stage alongside a dynamic quintet of international musicians including Sioned Webb and Gethin Elis from Wales, and Nolwenn Korbell and Brieg Guerveno from Brittany.

Despite the hymns’ long-distant past, the music is firmly in the present as Lleuwen uses various instruments to provide angular electronic accompaniment as well as her soulful vocals and guitar.  She provides translations and explanations as she proudly puts the archive recordings of the lost |Welsh hymns on centre stage.  As a result, these sacred songs are being passed on orally rather than via the hymn book which is precisely how Welsh folk music was conveyed.

The long-forgotten hymns will be heard once again in all their glory at Tabernacle Chapel, Maenclochog on Sunday, November 17 at 6.30pm.

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Crime

Suspended sentence for Goodwick man who sent sexual messages to young girl

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THE FATHER of a young girl sent sexual messages to an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl online, Swansea Crown Court heard this week.

An undercover police officer posed as a 12-year-old girl on the website RandoChat, with the decoy’s profile stating they were 18.

James Roberts messaged the decoy on 9 August, stating he was “looking for a naughty girl”.

The decoy promptly informed him that she was 12 years old; however, the defendant continued to send messages referencing sexual acts and self-gratification.

Roberts added the decoy on Snapchat, claiming to be 19 and living in England.

He again sent sexualised messages and, referring to the decoy’s age, said they were “never too young to start sending pictures”.

The defendant also told the decoy that he was having similar sexual conversations with a 14-year-old, Mr Dickens said.

Police attended Roberts’ home in Goodwick on 17 August, and he was arrested. He denied having a mobile phone, claiming he “had sent it off to Samsung to be fixed” but was “extremely vague” when asked for further details. Mr Dickens said no phone was ever recovered by police.

The 28-year-old Roberts pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child. The court heard that he had no previous convictions.

Hannah George, in mitigation, said the defendant showed “some degree of remorse” and that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

“In the 13 months since he was interviewed there have been no further offences,” she said.

Ms George said Roberts had suffered “significant” shame and embarrassment as a result of the offences, and it had led to him losing his job.

He had previously been diagnosed with PTSD and suffered “deep periods of depression”, Ms George said.

She added that his contact with his young daughter “has been diminished” following these offences.

“You were in contact online with who you firmly believed to be a 12-year-old girl,” said Judge Paul Thomas KC, addressing Roberts.

“You have a two-year-old daughter. Just think how you would feel if a man in his thirties tried to have that sort of conversation with her in 10 years’ time.”

Roberts was sentenced to 30 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must complete 35 days of an accredited programme and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement programme days.

He must also register as a sex offender for 10 years and was made the subject of a three-year sexual harm prevention order.

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