News

Snow and ice in Pembs: Some schools closed and police warn of road dangers

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

Good morning, residents of snowy Pembrokeshire.

In light of the cold weather conditions affecting the county, we are keeping you informed with the latest updates on road safety, school closures, and public transport alterations.

As of 06:00 AM, travellers are advised to exercise extreme caution on the A487 route from Newgale to Haverfordwest. This stretch has become treacherous due to significant ice accumulation. Authorities recommend allowing extra time for travel along this route, as the icy conditions have considerably increased the risk of accidents.
By 06:30 AM, the A487 near Boncath experienced disruptions. A lorry, unable to navigate the snowy and icy hill at Rhos Hill near the turnoff to Boncath, became a partial roadblock. Efforts are underway to safely remove the vehicle and restore normal traffic flow.
Schools have been significantly impacted by these harsh conditions. At 07:20 AM, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi announced its closure for the day, citing the severe weather and the cancellation of school buses. The safety of students and staff is paramount, and the decision to close was made to ensure their wellbeing.
Shortly thereafter, at 07:23 AM, further potential school closures were reported. Portfield School, Pembroke Dock School, Neyland LRC, Goodwick School, and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi are likely to remain closed today. However, Pembrokeshire College, Milford Haven Community Primary School, and Cosheston VC have reported that they will remain open.
Richard Bros. announced at 08:00 AM the suspension of all school and college service routes until further notice. This decision, made in response to the adverse weather and road conditions, aims to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Richard Bros. apologises for any inconvenience caused and urges the public to stay updated for further notices.
At 7:46am there were reports of cars stuck on Newgale Hill.
At 07:52am The council said Mary Immaculate School, Haverfordwest says it can open.
At 07:53am Cilgerran Church in Wales VC School will be closed today .
At 07:55am The council said Pembrokeshire Learning Centre will be closed today.
At 07:56am We received news that Puncheston Community Primary School will be closed today.
At 07:56am It was confirmed that Roch Community School will be closed today.
At 07:58am The council said Ysgol Bro Ingli – Newport will be closed today.
At 07:59am We received news that Ysgol Caer Elen will be closed today.
At 08:00am It was decided that Ysgol Gymunedol Brynconin – Llandissilio will be closed today.
At 08:04am We received news that Ysgol Gymunedol Maenclochog will be closed today.
At 08:04am Goodwick Community School will be closed today.
At 08:05am It was confirmed that Ysgol Llandudoch – St Dogmaels will be closed today.
At 08:06am Confirmed that Ysgol Llanychllwydog – Gwaun Valley will be closed today.
At 08:07am The council said Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will be closed today.
At 08:09am It was confirmed that Ysgol Bro Preseli will be closed today.

08:09am – Holy Name Catholic Primary School in Fishguard will be partially closed today due to staff shortages caused by adverse weather conditions. Classes 4 and 5 will be closed this morning Work will be set on Google Classroom If we are able to safely reopen the classes later today we will inform parents
08:10am – Ysgol Ger y Llan in Letterston will be partially closed today Staff say conditions will be re-assessed by 10am and parents contacted via Seesaw
08:11am – Ysgol Hafan y Môr will be partially closed today as some staff are unable to reach the school site. The school will be partially open today. This means open to pupils in yrs. 3 – 6 however the school is closed to all pupils in Nursery, Reception, Yrs. 1 + 2. Breakfast club open – yrs. 3 -6 only Cylch Meithrin is open. School says apologies for any inconvenience this may cause however the health and safety of staff is paramount. Thank you for your understanding.
08:23am – Coastlands School – St Ishmaels will be partially closed today.
08:24am – Haverfordwest High VC School will be partially closed today. School is closed to KS3 and Open to KS4 and 5.
08.34am – Road between the country road between St Davids Road and Nolton Haven is impassable for cars.
08:51am – B4329 road at Poyston Cross, Haverfordwest, is currently obstructed due to a single-vehicle traffic collision.
09:00am – Pembrokeshire County Council have announced that there are challenges surrounding waste and recycling collections this morning due to weather conditions. Collections will be later starting than usual, and when commencing, priority will be given to Residual (grey/black bags) and AHP (purple bags) collections. We will make every effort to collect where it it safe to do so, however wherever possible can households please keep their recycling until the next collection day.
09:20am – Update from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – We’re aware of snow falling across many areas of the National Park overnight and this morning. We’d advise everyone to be cautious if you’re heading out – and be mindful that some local roads are already in a treacherous condition. For those planning to enjoy the snow, please remember that much of the land in the National Park, including North Pembrokeshire, is privately owned. Have fun, but please respect the land, farmers and their livestock. Take all litter home with you and park wisely, without blocking gates or roads that may be used by local residents, landowners and emergency services.
09:21am – Pembrokeshire County Council have said that primary routes and secondary routes have been gritted and are being patrolled again this morning but conditions remain very icy and slippery. Untreated routes will be hazardous and dangerous. Please take caution and cnsider if journey is essential. Coastal roads are reported as dangerous.
09:22am Police confirm road closure at Jackson Way and Goodwick Hill, Goodwick. Drivers are reminded to follow diversion routes which will be gritted.
09:31am Pembrokeshire County Council said A478 has been gritted but road is icy, especially around Rhoshill. Reports of cars being stuck also between Cardigan and Crymych at Bridell.
09:40am Emergency services are still dealing with accident on the A478 at Newgale Hill, police said.
09:59am Warning from local residents that Snowdrop Lane in Haverfordwest is very icy and to proceed with care
10:04am Warning that B4318 is blocked due to lorry stuck on hill due to ice/snow between Tavernspite and Red Roses. Team deployed by Pembrokeshire County Council to assist.
10:52am Avoid the back road past the Priory Inn, Lower Priory, Milford Haven, vans and cars stuck all over the place, the snow has frozen, so very slippy.
11:08am Gritting lorry stuck in snow near Scolton Manor, take care to avoid obstruction.
11:09am Road closure at Saundersfoot and Stop & Call, Goodwick due to burst water mains. Drivers are reminded to follow diversion routes which are gritted.
11:10am Road closure for the B4582 requested between Croft and Nevern due to several vehicles stuck
11:12am B4313 between Fishguard and Llanacher at Trebover Hill only passable by 4 x 4 cars unable to pass
11:13am Back roads around Letterston and Wolfscastle are not passable with a number of cars getting stuck
11:15am A478: Icy especially between Cardigan and Crymych at Bridell.
11:17am A487: Icy conditions around each side of Newgale on the hills
11:20am Hill on Glenover fields, Redhill park, side roads around Trafalgar roads in Haverfordwest are very icy
11:22am Take care on Johnston to Troopers Inn and Church Road
11:20am B4329 Haverfordwest to Cardigan road between Scolton and Crundale: Car accident
11:27am Road between Jordanston and Rosemarket around St Mary’s Park: Car Stuck and Public transport blocked. Team deployed by council.
11:30am Roads around Milford Haven are reporting as hazardous due to frost freezing over the snow. Fender bender on Victoria Road and also at Murray Road.
11:32am Take care on B4313 between Fishguard and Llanacher at Trebover Hill only passable by 4×4 – ordinary cars are unable to pass, police said.
11:36am A number of cars are blocking the access road between the A40 and Sealyham
11:47am Roads around Eglwyswrw, Llangwm, Letterston, Ambleston, Little Newcastle,, Wolfsdale, Leweston, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Keeston very slippy and have difficult driving conditions to name a few – Pembrokeshire County Council warning.
13.10pm The A487 between Fishguard and Cardigan has been closed in both directions due to snow. Police are currently on scene. Pembrokeshire County Council have been informed. Please avoid the area and find an alternative route.

The Pembrokeshire Herald urges all residents to stay informed, plan ahead, and prioritise safety during these challenging weather conditions. For the latest updates, please continue to follow our website and stay tuned for any further announcements.

Stay safe, Pembrokeshire.

Crime

Former police officer accused of making sexual remarks to women while on duty

Published

23 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Court Reporter

Court hears allegations of inappropriate behaviour during official police visits

A FORMER police officer has appeared in court accused of making sexually inappropriate remarks to women he encountered while on duty.

Luke Silver, aged 34, is alleged to have abused his position as a police officer by making unwanted and explicit comments to two women during the course of official police business.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Silver attended one woman’s home following an incident involving her partner and took an initial statement. However, the woman told the court that Silver later returned to her address on several further occasions, during which the conversation allegedly became personal and sexual in nature.

She said the officer asked intrusive questions about her sex life and made comments about her appearance, which she found unsettling. In messages sent to a friend at the time, the woman described his behaviour as “inappropriate”, “strange” and “creepy”.

The court was told she later said she felt uncomfortable during the visits, claiming Silver behaved in an overly relaxed manner while speaking to her and made remarks that were entirely unrelated to the police matter he had attended for.

A second woman has also made allegations that Silver asked her sexually explicit questions and made comments about her body while acting in his capacity as a police officer.

Silver, formerly of Gwent Police and now living in Lamphey, Pembrokeshire, denies three counts of improper use of police powers or privileges. The alleged offences are said to have taken place in 2021.

The trial is continuing at Cardiff Crown Court.

(Image: WNS)

Crime

Bail revoked for teenager charged with rape following Sands Nightclub allegation

Published

44 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A TEENAGER charged with rape following an alleged incident at a Saundersfoot nightclub has been remanded into custody after bail was revoked at Swansea Crown Court.

Joshua Probert, aged eighteen, is accused of raping a woman at Sands Nightclub in the seaside village during the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity and no details that could identify her can be reported.

Probert was initially granted bail by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. However, on Thursday afternoon (Dec 18) the Crown Prosecution Service applied for a special hearing at Swansea Crown Court, arguing that the earlier bail decision had been made without all relevant information being available.

The hearing was presided over by Paul Thomas KC. After considering new material put before the court, the judge ruled that there was a risk of reoffending.

There was also discussion that the defendant was at risk in the community due to alleged threatening phone calls against him.

Bail was therefore revoked and Probert was remanded into custody.

The defendant appeared in court supported by members of his family, including his mother, stepfather and father.

Much of the detail discussed during the hearing cannot be reported for legal reasons.

Probert is due to return to court in four weeks’ time as proceedings continue.

News

Welsh Government outlines new rights for homeowners facing estate management charges

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HOMEOWNERS living on privately managed estates in Wales are set to gain new legal protections under changes being introduced as part of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, the Welsh Government has said.

In a written statement published on Thursday (Dec 18), the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, provided an update on how the legislation will be implemented in Wales, with a particular focus on estate management charges paid by freehold homeowners.

Until now, homeowners on privately managed estates have often faced unclear or high bills for maintenance and services, with limited ability to obtain information or challenge costs. Once fully implemented, Part 5 of the Act is intended to address those concerns.

New powers for homeowners

Under the reforms, homeowners will be given the right to challenge the reasonableness of estate management charges for the first time. Estate managers will also be required to provide clearer information about the services being paid for through those charges.

In cases where estate management has failed, homeowners will be able to apply to a tribunal for a substitute manager to be appointed. The Act will also require estate managers to publish details of any administration charges in advance, where payment is expected.

Jayne Bryant said the changes would bring “significant new rights and protections” for homeowners affected by estate management fees.

Welsh and UK consultations

Responsibility for introducing the necessary secondary legislation is shared between the Welsh and UK Governments. While many of the powers rest with UK Ministers, Welsh Ministers are responsible for rules relating to the publication of administration charges in Wales.

The Welsh Government has confirmed it is working alongside UK counterparts to ensure both consultations are launched at the same time, allowing homeowners and stakeholders to consider the full set of proposals together.

Homeowners are being encouraged to respond to both the Welsh Government consultation on administration charges and the UK Government consultation on the wider estate management regime.

The consultations are now open and form part of the process to bring the new protections into force.