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Coastguard’s new communications network will boost lifesaving capabilities

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MILFORD HAVEN Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), one of Wales’ two specialist rescue coordination centres, is now operating on a state-of-the-art communications network designed to enhance the UK’s coastguard services.

The new network, part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) ambitious Radio Network Infrastructure Replacement Programme (RNIR), connects 163 remote radio sites and ensures that the Coastguard can continue to respond effectively to emergencies along the UK’s coastline.

The upgraded network, which utilises a combination of full-fibre and microwave technology, is intended to improve both the bandwidth and security of communications across the 11,000 miles of coastline managed by the Coastguard. The first installations of this network began in December 2020, with locations such as Bincleaves, Lee-on-the-Solent, Crystal Palace, Humber, Bridlington, and Brighton Marina among the initial sites to transition to the new system. Now, with the infrastructure stretching from the Shetland Islands to the Isles of Scilly, the project has reached a significant milestone.

Assistant Chief Coastguard Matthew Leat highlighted the importance of the new network, stating, “The national radio network is integral in supporting our mission of preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea, enhancing our ability to respond to emergencies across the UK.”

The RNIR programme represents a significant investment by the MCA, with over £175 million allocated to the replacement of the legacy copper-based network, which is becoming increasingly outdated. The new technology brings considerable improvements, including increased security and bandwidth, which will now allow the Coastguard to integrate advanced search and rescue technologies that require a digital connection. These improvements are seen as crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of life-saving operations, where every second can be critical.

Damien Oliver, Commercial and Programmes Director for the MCA, emphasised the network’s role in safeguarding lives, saying, “This new national radio network is central in preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea. The entire network, spanning 165 radio sites around 11,000 miles of UK coastline, maintains the Coastguards’ ability to receive and act upon distress alerts from shipping and talk to HM Coastguard’s helicopters and planes.”

Oliver noted the importance of the update, adding, “It is evident now more than ever that we provide a state-of-the-art radio network system that will allow our Coastguards to continue saving lives and provide reassurance that we are here to respond to any emergency, along the coast or at sea.”

The construction and maintenance of the new network are being handled by Telent Technology Services Ltd. Peter Moir, Managing Director of Network Services at Telent, expressed pride in the project, stating, “As a provider of critical digital infrastructure services, we were proud to have been selected by the MCA to provide the new full fibre network to HM Coastguard’s remote radio sites. Today is an important milestone and we will continue to work collaboratively with HM Coastguard to deliver the new network to support their lifesaving work.”

As the rollout of the new network continues over the next two years, the Coastguard, including teams at Milford Haven MRCC, will benefit from the enhanced capabilities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of maritime safety and rescue operations across the UK.

Crime

Swansea Crown Court to deal with Narberth rape case

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A 46-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before a District Judge charged with raping a woman at an undisclosed location in Narberth.

Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest is accused of raping the woman on August 25, 2022.  He is further charged with sexually assaulting a woman and of causing a female to engage in sexual activity without her consent.  Both offences are alleged to have been committed on the same date, August 25.

Murray denied all three charges when he appeared before District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, September 17.

Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in the matter and the case will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court. 

Murray was released on conditional bail, the condition being not to have any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim.

The matter will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on October 14.

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Crime

Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog

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A DOG that was seen running loose on a main road in Milford Haven was found to be an unregistered fighting XL Bully which, according to police experts, had the strength to cause someone ‘substantial injury’.

Officers were called to a property in Milford Haven on March 24 following numerous reports from members of the public that a dog was running loose on the road, causing what the Crown Prosecution described as ‘a hazard’ to drivers.  There they found the dog enclosed in a front garden.

This week it’s owner, Megan Pouparrd, 20, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, pleaded guilty to possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.

“It was a typical XL Bully dog in relation to its appearance and size,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.

The dog, which had wandered approximately one mile from its owner’s home, was caught and taken away by officers for further examinations to be carried out to confirm its breed.

A police statement read out to Judge Layton stated that the dog was ‘very restless and curious’.

“He made no attempt to jump on us and was more interested in finding out about his new surroundings,” said the report.

“He was a very relaxed dog, but was also extremely strong, and could easily have knocked someone off their feet.”

A destruction order for the dog was submitted to the court by the police, however following a request by District Judge Mark Layton, this was delayed pending a behaviourist report to be carried out on the animal.

Sentencing was adjourned to October 8.

(Image: File)

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Crime

Letterston man in court over ‘silly neighbours’ dispute’

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A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute reached the courts this week when Letterston resident Stuart Wing pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his neighbour’s car.

“It was a silly dispute,” the 59-year-old told a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.

“We used to be good neighbours, but it was the stupidest of things.  I’d put his bin bags back but then he fell out with me, giving me hand signals and calling me a scumbag.”

The incident took place on June 21, 2023 at Spring Gardens, Letterston.

“The victim  [Clark Gretton], had left his property and entered his vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Mark Layton.

“[The victim] said, ‘I’ll be glad to get away from these scumbags’, but the defendant was near and must have heard him, because he picked some gravel up and threw it at the car, causing chip marks.”

Ms Jackson said that the cost of the criminal damage to Mr Gretton’s Nissan Qashqai totaled £660.

After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Stuart Wing was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge.  He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation to Mr Gretton.

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