News

Call to keep Teifi canoe launch sites gets planners’ approval

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to retain a commercial canoe launching and landing area on the River Teifi, in use without planning permission since 2010, have been approved.

Mr Moore, of commercial canoe trip business Adventure Beyond sought retrospective permission to retain the launching/landing area – with three launch points – with associated car parking and storage on land adjacent to Grade II-listed Hammet House (also known as Castell Malgwyn), Llechryd, near Cardigan.

Manordeifi Community Council has supported the scheme saying it would have a positive impact on tourism in the area and minimal impact on the surroundings, as the storage is removable.

A supporting statement, through agent Harries Planning Design Management said there would be no changes to the land itself, adding: “The proposed change of use will regularise the use for commercial activities on site and allow people to continue to enjoy and have access to the countryside, in line with both the Welsh Government’s Health and Well-Being agenda and scheme to increase access to the countryside. It will also allow this activity to be enjoyed by a wide variety of groups, in a controlled and safe manner.

“Recreational launching of canoes has taken place at this exact site for over 30 years and Canoe Wales has identified this site as the launching site for the Teifi River and Estuary Paddling Trail. The owner wishes to allow individuals to continue launching their canoes.

“Adventure Beyond runs commercial canoe trips for those without the equipment/experience. Commercial trips are booked in advance directly through Adventure Beyond, with around two sessions per day throughout the year.”

It finished: “This proposal represents an example of creating a well-related commercial recreation facility using existing accesses, whilst broadening the tourism base and ensuring the area is well-maintained for recreational use by the community.

“The proposal and change of use is justified in its location and remain commensurate and sympathetic to its immediate site context, the general character of Llechryd and the wider landscape character of the area.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

Charity

Christmas jumper fundraiser raises £360 for youth counselling

Published

1 hour ago

January 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CHRISTMAS Jumper Day fundraiser held by staff at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd has raised £360 for the Megan’s Starr Foundation, helping fund vital mental health support for young people.

The money, presented to the charity by Carla and Liam, will pay for 10 professional counselling sessions for young people who are struggling and in urgent need of support.

The Megan’s Starr Foundation said the sessions provide a safe space for young people to talk, be listened to, and feel supported at a time when it matters most.

In a statement, the charity thanked the firm and its staff for getting involved, adding that access to timely support can be life changing and can help young people realise they are not alone.

The foundation said it was grateful to everyone at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd who took part, describing the donation as one that will have a real and lasting impact on local young people and their mental health.

News

Investigation launched after man found dead near Carmarthen railway line

Published

1 hour ago

January 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was found in a field close to the railway track near Carmarthen railway station.

Emergency services were called to the area at just after 8:30am on Saturday (Jan 10). Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Witnesses reported seeing police and ambulance vehicles outside the station’s main entrance, with officers also in an adjacent field near a railway bridge.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

A police spokesperson said enquiries are ongoing and the death is currently being treated as unexplained.

No further details, including the man’s age or identity, have been released.

Crime

Former Gwent detective would have been sacked after off duty assault conviction

Published

2 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Ex officer found guilty of gross misconduct following Devon incident and magistrates court conviction

A FORMER Gwent Police detective sergeant has been found guilty of gross misconduct after being convicted of assaulting a man while off duty in Devon.

Joanne Marston resigned from the force shortly before an accelerated misconduct hearing was due to begin at Cwmbran on Monday. The panel went ahead in her absence.

The hearing was told the incident happened in February 2024 while Marston was off duty in Devon. She was later arrested and charged with common assault, and was convicted at Exeter Magistrates’ Court in March last year.

A professional standards investigation concluded she had breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to discreditable conduct. The panel upheld the allegation and found it amounted to gross misconduct.

Had she remained a serving officer, the panel ruled she would have been dismissed without notice.

Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend, who chaired the hearing, said the former officer’s actions were “shocking and unacceptable” and warned that such behaviour damages public confidence in policing.

Marston will now be placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing her from serving with any police force in the UK.