News
Excavator stranded at sea during coastal defence work in Aberaeron
A £500,000 excavator involved in the £32 million Aberaeron Coastal Defence Scheme in Wales found itself stranded at sea after an unexpected electrical malfunction.
The incident occurred while the heavy machinery was being used to construct the outer extents of a rock breakwater during low tide.
According to Ceredigion Council, the malfunction occurred as the excavator, part of a fleet working on the coastal project, was engaged in its task.
Despite attempts to repair the fault before the tide came in, the efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, the excavator was left stranded and partially submerged as the tide rose, as captured in dramatic images by local photographer Matthew Cole.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Ceredigion Council told Herald.Wales: “Efforts were made to repair the excavator prior to the tide turning, but unfortunately these were unsuccessful. Measures were then taken to isolate the electrics and seal all fluid tanks prior to the excavator becoming submerged, and also cap/secure any items where sea water could enter the machine.”
The council has informed Natural Resources Wales about the incident, and discussions are ongoing about how and when the excavator can be recovered from the water.
The Aberaeron Coastal Defence Scheme is a significant project aimed at protecting the Welsh town from coastal erosion and flooding. The works include the construction of a rock breakwater extending from North Pier, the refurbishment and rebuilding of South Pier’s head, the construction of flood walls, the installation of a flood gate at Pwll Cam inner harbour, and improvements to existing defences along South Beach
Crime
Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys
DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.
From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.
The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.
To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.
“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.
“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”
The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.
Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.
As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.
Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.
The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.
“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.
“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.
The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
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