News
Former pupil Liam Cullen inspires Stepaside CP School pupils with poster praise

STEPASIDE CP School pupils were thrilled when former pupil and Wales international footballer Liam Cullen praised their posters created for a special competition.
Liam Cullen, who has earned the nickname ‘the Kilgetty Messi’, sent a heartfelt message to the pupils of his old primary school, congratulating them on their creative efforts. The pupils, inspired by Liam’s journey from Stepaside to the professional football world, participated in a design-a-poster contest to mark the 100th anniversary of Kilgetty AFC, his former club.

In a video message, Liam, alongside his mum Louise, reviewed the posters and selected their favourites. Liam’s football career, which began in the village’s Under 8s side, took him to Swansea City’s Development Centre and now sees him playing for EFL Championship side Swansea City. He made his Wales senior debut in 2023.
The special end-of-term assembly at Stepaside CP School, led by Kilgetty AFC secretary and girls’ coach, Sharron Hardwick, showcased Liam’s journey and achievements. “The children felt proud that Liam attended their school and played for Kilgetty AFC,” said Sharron. “They looked on in awe at the slides showing Liam’s achievements at Swansea City, and making his Wales debut last year.”
The poster-designing competition is a highlight of Kilgetty AFC’s centenary celebrations. During her visit, Sharron also shared photos of the club’s players from the past hundred years, including George Edwards, who was signed by Cardiff City in 1948 for the then-substantial fee of £12,000. Edwards, another player with Kilgetty roots, made 222 League and Cup appearances for Cardiff and won 12 Wales international senior peacetime caps. He frequently returned to Kilgetty to play for his home club.
The pupils discovered a further connection between their school and Kilgetty AFC through historic slides showing games played at the original Kilgetty AFC playing field, which is now the site of Stepaside CP School.
From classes 2 to 6, the pupils showcased their learning and creativity through their Kilgetty AFC poster designs. The club committee was very impressed with the entries, selecting two winners from each class. Kilgetty AFC women also chose their favourite poster.
In recognition of their hard work, the Fair Trade in Football Campaign donated Fairtrade chocolates and certificates to every participating child. The posters will be displayed in Kilgetty Village shops during the week of the Kilgetty Fete, starting August 24, and at Kingsmoor Sports Club on September 1 as part of the Kilgetty AFC Centenary display.
Crime
Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.
Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.
The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.
The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.
Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.
An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.
Charity
Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.
Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.
Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.
Crime
Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

Public trust at the heart of new strategy
DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.
The three core priorities of the plan are:
- Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
- Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system
Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.
Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.
“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”
Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.
“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”
A joined-up approach to justice
Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.
“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”
The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.
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