News
Flood alert issued for north Pembrokeshire coast
RESIDENTS along parts of the Pembrokeshire coast have been put on alert as Natural Resources Wales issued a flood warning, signaling a heightened risk of flooding due to a combination of high tides, strong forecast winds, and significant wave heights.
The areas identified at risk stretch from St Dogmaels, Cardigan to Amroth, prompting authorities to advise locals to be prepared for possible flooding events.
The warning comes in anticipation of the next two high tides, expected to occur this evening and the following morning. Milford Haven is set to experience high tide at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, 27th March, and again at 7:45 AM on Thursday, 28th March.
The combination of natural forces could lead to the flooding of low-lying land and roads, increasing the risk for those living and working in the vicinity.
In addition to the immediate danger posed by flooding, there is a warning about the potential hazards of sea spray and waves, which could carry debris and pose a threat to life. Officials urge the public to exercise caution near coastal areas and to stay informed by monitoring the situation through the ‘River Levels, Rainfall and Sea Data’ available on the Natural Resources Wales website.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to take proactive measures, such as preparing a flood kit with essential items, moving vehicles to higher ground, and ensuring that they know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water supplies in their homes. There is also advice for farmers in rural areas to move livestock and equipment away from flood-prone zones.
Authorities remind the public of the dangers of floodwater, advising against walking, cycling, or driving through it due to its potential to move vehicles and knock individuals off their feet. The floodwater may also be polluted, necessitating thorough handwashing if contact occurs.
For the latest updates and information, individuals are directed to visit the Natural Resources Wales website, call the Floodline, follow @NatResWales on Twitter, and stay tuned to local weather, news, and travel bulletins.
As the community braces for the high tides, Natural Resources Wales says it will continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the safety and preparedness of those affected by the flood alert.
News
Andrew RT Davies resigns as Welsh Conservative leader after confidence vote
ANDREW RT DAVIES has stepped down as leader of the Welsh Conservatives after narrowly surviving a confidence vote within his party.
In a letter announcing his resignation, Davies expressed regret, stating that his position had become “untenable” after some Members of the Senedd (MSs) threatened to resign from his frontbench if he remained in post.
The vote, held on Tuesday morning, saw Davies secure nine votes in support but faced opposition from seven MSs. Reflecting on the outcome, he said: “It was clear from the result that a substantial minority of the group do not support our approach.”
Davies has served as leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd for most of the past 13 years. His departure marks the end of a tenure defined by both challenges and significant contributions to the party in Wales.
Commenting on the resignation, Reform UK Wales Spokesman, Oliver Lewis said: “True to form, the Tories have turfed out another leader thinking that will resurrect their failing party. They care more about jousting for position than they do about serving Welsh people.
“It does not matter who they have as leader, the simple fact is they have failed in opposition just as they failed Wales in Government in Westminster for 14 years.
“The people of Wales want real change in 2026 and that is just what we plan to offer them. Wales needs Reform.”
Health
Hywel Dda appoints new Deputy Chief Executive Officer
HYWEL DDA University Health Board has today announced the appointment of Lisa Gostling as its Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
Lisa has held the role of Deputy Chief Executive at the health board on an interim basis since February this year, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer, which was announced in October.
Professor Phil Kloer, Chief Executive Officer, at Hywel Dda said: “I am delighted that, following a competitive process, Lisa is appointed to the post of Deputy Chief Executive Officer, a responsibility that she will hold in addition to her post of Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.”
Lisa relocated from the West Midlands to Pembrokeshire and developed her career within the workforce and organisational development teams at the Health Board. She has worked for Hywel Dda and its predecessor organisations since 1993.
Since 2015, she has been a member of the Executive team and Board as Director of Workforce and Organisational Development. Since February this year, she also held the role of interim Deputy Chief Executive Officer. She holds a CIPD qualification from Sandwell College and is a keen Welsh learner.
Phil continues: “Lisa’s innovative approach to recruitment and to staff development has been of great benefit to our health board – including the development of our culture and values that shapes our work every day, and the establishment of the Apprenticeship Program that has seen us enable several local people to join our Hywel Dda teams and develop their career with us.
“Lisa has also been instrumental in supporting our work to reduce our dependency upon agency staffing and building our substantive workforce – ensuring greater sustainability and quality in our teams.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Lisa in her new role and wish her every success for the future.”
Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, added: “It is an honour to be appointed to this position and support Phil, our Board, and our teams across the health board in delivering health care for our communities.
“I look forward to building on the foundations of the past six months and working with our team of staff who are all dedicated to improving the health and well-being of current and future generations.”
Community
Henry Tufnell MP advocates for Pembroke’s bell restoration project
LAST weekend, Henry Tufnell MP visited St David’s Cathedral, where he had the opportunity to witness the tradition of bell ringing and meet with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project. The meeting underscored the vital importance of preserving Pembroke’s unique heritage while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the restoration team.
St Mary’s Church, located in the heart of Pembroke, is home to a set of historic bells that have been a cherished part of the town’s life for over 260 years. However, due to structural and safety concerns, these bells have been silent, putting a pause on their role in significant civic and cultural events, including Remembrance Sunday and local celebrations.
A significant £150,000 from the £10.5 million UK Government funding pot has been allocated to this restoration project, but delays in finalising the grant have hindered progress. Henry pledged his commitment to ensuring that the project receives the attention it deserves to move forward without further obstacles.
Following his visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Speaking with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project at St David’s Cathedral highlighted how much this initiative means to the people of Pembroke. Restoring these historic bells is about more than just tradition; it’s about community pride and keeping our heritage alive for future generations. I’m determined to help ensure this project gets the green light it needs and I will be doing everything in my power to ensure it happens.”
The St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project has garnered widespread support from local residents and businesses, whose donations have helped secure the match funding required for the Fund. Completing the project would be a significant milestone, securing a vital piece of Pembroke’s history for years to come.
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