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News

Murder investigation launched after man dies in Cardiff

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SOUTH WALES POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a 23-year-old man was found with injuries at an address in Llandaff, Cardiff on Sunday afternoon (December 24).

A 23-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police told The Herald: “While formal identification has yet to take place the next of kin of the victim has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“This is regarded as an isolated incident and detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.”

Crime

Neyland man fined for reckless jet ski behaviour in Milford Haven

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A NEYLAND man has been fined after admitting multiple offences related to reckless jet ski use in Milford Haven, including failing to comply with harbour regulations and providing false information.

James Watts, 33, of Cambrian Road, Neyland, was sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on February 6 after pleading guilty to several breaches of the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983 and the Milford Haven Byelaws 1984. The offences stemmed from an incident on July 21, 2024, when Watts operated a jet ski at high speed in a designated no wake zone, disregarding the instructions of the harbormaster.

The court heard that Watts not only failed to comply with lawful directions but also provided false information when challenged. As a result, he faced multiple charges brought by the Milford Haven Port Authority.

Watts pleaded guilty to three offences:

  • Navigating or manoeuvring a jet ski in a manner causing danger or inconvenience: For this, he was fined £200, ordered to pay £2,000 in costs, and a £240 victim services surcharge was imposed.
  • Engaging in jet skiing without the harbourmaster’s permission: He was fined £200.
  • Endangering navigation within the haven: This resulted in another £200 fine.

Two further charges, including one relating to operating the jet ski while under the influence of drink or drugs and another for obstructing a harbour officer, were withdrawn.

A collection order was issued, and Watts has been ordered to pay his fines in monthly instalments of £100, starting March 6, 2025.

Following the prosecution, the Port of Milford Haven reminded leisure users of their duty of care when using the Milford Haven Waterway.

The waterway is a busy space balancing the needs of commercial operators and leisure users alike. While the Port oversees safe use, all users share the responsibility of behaving safely and understanding the rules before going afloat.

In this case, the jet ski user was found guilty of failing to uphold three of the Port’s byelaws, including aquaplaning in a minimum wake zone, resulting in fines and costs totalling £2,840. His actions endangered many waterway users, including around 40 small vessels and a commercial passenger vessel, as well as himself and his passenger.

Brian MacFarlane, Harbour Patrol Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “The Port takes its duties to ensure safe use of the Milford Haven Waterway extremely seriously. This prosecution is an important reminder for all users that they have a duty to act safely both for themselves and for others while afloat. We’d remind everyone to re-read the byelaws which can be found in our tide tables and online before going afloat. Knowing and understanding the rules will help save lives and ensure everyone can safely enjoy this incredible Waterway.”

The Port provides information on safe use via its website and publications like tide tables and the leisure user guide. Throughout the season, the Port’s Harbour Patrol team offers guidance, advises on zonation, and can intercede to halt dangerous activity. Serious breaches can lead to prosecution.

For further information:

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Community

Fishguard residents asked for views on town hall takeover

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RESIDENTS of Fishguard are being asked for their opinions on whether the running of Fishguard Town Hall should be transferred from Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) to the local town council.

The historic building, located in the town square, houses a market hall, public toilets, offices, the town’s library, a small art gallery, and the Last Invasion Tapestry gallery.

Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council first expressed interest in a community asset transfer in October last year. A month later, a working group of councillors was formed to explore the proposal, working alongside PLANED and Cwmpas, an economic and social change forum, to conduct research and fact-checking. Regular updates have been provided at full council meetings.

The working group is also collaborating with PCC’s Library Services to determine the future of Fishguard Library.

Public consultation began in December with drop-in sessions, followed by the launch of a questionnaire aimed at gathering residents’ views. Around 50 responses have been received so far, with more expected in the coming weeks.

A recent meeting between the town council, PLANED, and Cwmpas concluded that discussions with PCC are needed to clarify outstanding issues before any further steps can be taken.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to take part in the consultation by completing the questionnaire, which is available on the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council website and Facebook page. Paper copies can also be collected from various local venues, with town councillors distributing them in person.

The questionnaire seeks feedback on whether the town council should take over the hall, whether residents would accept an increased precept to fund it, and what services and activities they would like to see provided.

A town council spokesperson said: “Pembrokeshire County Council approached us last year regarding the possible transfer of Fishguard Town Hall. We are now consulting the public to gauge support for this move.

“We also want to hear residents’ ideas on how the hall could be used in the future. So far, we’ve undertaken several consultations and are continuing to expand these efforts. Moving forward, we will be working with PLANED and Cwmpas on a legal structure and business plan.”

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Community

Funding secured to keep Milford Haven Library open for another year

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THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN and Milford Haven Town Council have joined forces to offer Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) a funding package of £13,000, ensuring that Milford Haven Library remains open for another year.

Amid proposals by PCC to either relocate the library or transition it to a volunteer-run service due to financial shortfalls, discussions with the community reinforced the library’s importance in providing learning opportunities, social well-being, and essential services.

With a shortfall of £13,000 threatening the library’s future, the Port of Milford Haven and Milford Haven Town Council have stepped in to provide the necessary funds, allowing the facility to continue operating in its current form while a long-term sustainable solution is sought.

SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FROM LOCAL PARTNERS

The Port of Milford Haven has pledged £10,000 towards the library, adding to the substantial financial backing it has provided over the years, amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds since PCC entered into its lease agreement for the building.

Milford Haven Mayor Cllr William Elliott expressed his satisfaction at the collaborative effort to secure the library’s immediate future.

“We are delighted that we have been able to collaborate with the Port of Milford Haven to ensure the current setup of this much-needed, valued, and essential library is maintained. There is an absolute commitment to working with the Port and Pembrokeshire County Council to support a long-term solution,” he said.

Cllr Elliott also extended his gratitude to residents who participated in the consultation process, as well as to the Port of Milford Haven and PCC for their cooperative approach.

PORT’S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

Port boss: Tom Sawyer (Pic MHPA)

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, emphasised the importance of the library to the local community.

“We are pleased to have worked alongside Milford Haven Town Council to protect this key community space. Each year, we allocate around 10% of our annual profits to support organisations through direct funding or partnership working, delivering on our core outcomes: a safe and enjoyable Waterway, a sustainable and resilient environment, and a vibrant and prosperous community,” he stated.

“We know the community of Milford Haven will be stronger as a result of this decision, and we are committed to working alongside Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to find a long-term, sustainable solution for the library.”

NEXT STEPS

Findings from the public consultation, which also included feedback on Pembroke Dock and Pembroke libraries, will be presented at Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting on 17 March. It is expected that the funding package will be formally accepted, securing Milford Haven Library’s future for another year while further discussions continue on a sustainable long-term solution.

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