News
RNLI issues safety warning in Wales ahead of stormy conditions
THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution is encouraging people to be cautious if visiting the coast this weekend as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for strong winds on the coast of Wales.
This weekend (6-7 April) the forecast suggests that parts of the Welsh coast could see wind speeds of up to 40mph, with the potential of large swells that mean unpredictable seas and challenging conditions.
The weather warning for Wales is for this Saturday (6 April), and the RNLI are encouraging those who plan to visit the coast to take extra care and to head to a lifeguarded beach if they plan on going in the water.
RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol at the following beaches between 10am–6pm over the weekend:
Whitesands Beach – Pembrokeshire
Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Three Cliffs – Swansea.
The rough conditions that are expected this weekend could mean the lifeguards will deem the beach unsafe for water activity, with the risk of rip currents heightened. If a beach is red-flagged do not enter the water, as it is unsafe for any water activities. If there are no flags at a beach, there are no lifeguards.
If conditions allow, the lifeguards will set up the red and yellow flags in the safest area of the beach and encourage beachgoers to swim between these flags.
Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said:
‘The conditions forecast for the weekend pose an increased risk to those visiting the coast. The RNLI wants visitors to enjoy themselves, whilst keeping themselves and their families safe.
‘We strongly advise that people visit a lifeguarded beach. If anyone plans on entering the water elsewhere, ensure that you don’t go in alone. Let other people know of your plans and if possible – always carry a means for calling for help should you need it.
‘If you’re walking on the coast be aware of your surroundings and stay well back from the water’s edge. The weather conditions increase the likelihood of tidal surges that could sweep you out to sea.
‘If you get into difficulty in the water remember Float to Live. Always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anyone in trouble.’
RNLI Float to Live advice:
Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
Relax and try to breathe normally
Move your hands to help you stay afloat
It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
Spread your arms and legs to improve stability.
Business
First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead
THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.
The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.
A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, is due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.
The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.
Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.
“The Peak Bergen arrived yesterday with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”
The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock. Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.
Weather conditions are currently favourable for this morning’s arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.
The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin next week, subject to final police and highway approvals.
A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-bill support for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.
Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.
Photo: Martin Cavaney
Crime
Banned for 40 months after driving with cocaine breakdown product in blood
A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been handed a lengthy driving ban after admitting driving with a controlled drug in her system more than ten times over the legal limit.
SENTENCED AT HAVERFORDWEST
Sally Allen, 43, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 4) for sentencing, having pleaded guilty on November 25 to driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the prescribed limit.
The court heard that Allen was stopped on August 25 on the Old Hakin Road at Tiers Cross while driving an Audi A3. Blood analysis showed 509µg/l of Benzoylecgonine, a breakdown product of cocaine. The legal limit is 50µg/l.
COMMUNITY ORDER AND REHABILITATION
Magistrates imposed a 40-month driving ban, backdated to her interim disqualification which began on November 25.
Allen was also handed a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activities as directed by the Probation Service.
She was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge. Her financial penalties will be paid in £25 monthly instalments from January 1, 2026.
The bench—Mrs H Roberts, Mr M Shankland and Mrs J Morris—said her guilty plea had been taken into account when passing sentence.
Local Government
Sewage leak at Pembroke Commons prompts urgent clean-up works
Council pollution officers say they have no enforcement powers over Welsh Water infrastructure
SEWAGE contamination on the Commons in Pembroke has prompted an urgent response from pollution officers, after a leak was reported by a member of the public on Tuesday.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pollution Control Team confirmed they were alerted yesterday afternoon to sewage surrounding a manhole cover on the site. The Herald understands that officers immediately notified Welsh Water (DCWW) network technicians to investigate the incident “as a matter of urgency”.
County councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the authority had been clear that it holds no enforcement powers over Welsh Water assets.
“Whilst we work constructively with Welsh Water, we have no authority to intervene on their apparatus or to carry out enforcement action against them for such pollution incidents,” the Pollution Control Team said in a statement shared with the councillor.
Urgent works underway
Council officers visited the site on Wednesday morning alongside contractors and Welsh Water technicians to assess clean-up options. According to the team, works will include cleaning the contaminated ground in and around the manhole cover and fencing off the affected area “until safe”.
Cllr Grimes said officers would return to the scene on Thursday to check on progress and ensure the area is properly secured.
Residents who notice any further issues have been urged to contact the Pollution Control Team directly.
Further updates are expected later this week.
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