News

Coastguard’s new communications network will boost lifesaving capabilities

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2024

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with over £175 million allocated to the replacement of the legacy copper-based network, which is becoming increasingly outdated.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.

Business

Llangwm brewery closes after entering liquidation

Published

9 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SMALL Pembrokeshire brewing company has been formally wound up after its owners concluded the business could no longer continue.

Black Tar Brewing Co Ltd, which was registered in Llangwm, entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation following a meeting of company members on February 27, 2026.

The meeting was held at the Swansea offices of Stones & Co Insolvency Practitioners, where Gareth Stones was appointed to oversee the closure.

The company’s registered address was at Gail Rise in Llangwm, near Haverfordwest, and official records listed its activities as beer manufacturing.

No public details have yet been released about the size of the business, the value of its assets or the amount owed to creditors.

As liquidator, Mr Stones will now take control of the company’s affairs, identify any remaining assets and determine whether funds are available for those owed money.

Creditors are expected to receive further information as the process develops.

The liquidation was initiated by the company rather than through a court order, meaning its members voted to bring trading to an end and place its finances in the hands of an insolvency practitioner.

A public notice connected to the closure directs creditors and other interested parties to Stones & Co for further information.

The winding-up brings an end to the Llangwm-registered brewery, although the company’s recent level of trading and the number of people connected to the business remain unclear.

Crime

Murder investigation launched into death of Pembrokeshire man in 1991

Published

10 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 67-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after new potential evidence emerged in connection with a death more than three decades ago.

Dyfed-Powys Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of 58-year-old Bentley Mathias, who died in hospital in 1991.

Mr Mathias died at Morriston Hospital on November 19, 1991, with his cause of death recorded at the time as a brain haemorrhage.

His death was not initially treated as suspicious. However, police said new potential evidence had since come to light, prompting the case to be investigated as a murder enquiry.

On Wednesday, July 22, officers arrested a 67-year-old man from the Llandewi Velfrey area of Pembrokeshire on suspicion of murder.

He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

The enquiry remains ongoing.

Education

Haverfordwest pupils impress judges with eco-friendly cleaning business

Published

12 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ysgol Preseli also represented Pembrokeshire among five finalists at an all-Wales green skills competition

A TEAM of Haverfordwest pupils has earned national recognition after developing a range of environmentally friendly cleaning products aimed at hotels and tourism businesses.

The Sustainables, from Haverfordwest High VC School, presented their idea to business leaders, Welsh Government representatives and sustainability experts at the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon 2026.

The pupils gave a live demonstration of their product and explained how it could be priced and marketed to businesses across the hospitality sector.

Their combination of environmental thinking and commercial awareness impressed the judging panel, which awarded the team a Highly Commended prize.

Pupils from Ysgol Preseli also reached the final, meaning Pembrokeshire was represented by two of the five teams selected from across south and west Wales.

The competition, held at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Carmarthen, challenged Year 8 pupils to find practical solutions to environmental problems affecting tourism, hospitality and the built environment.

The overall winners were the Green Guardians from Llangatwg Community School in Neath Port Talbot.

Their design for a more sustainable school included an outdoor learning centre which could also operate as a pupil-run garden café.

The hackathon marked the end of a year-long programme in which pupils worked alongside teachers, employers and community organisations to research problems, develop ideas and present their solutions.

More than 1,000 Pembrokeshire pupils have taken part in the Tomorrow’s Changemakers programme since it was introduced in the county in 2023.

The Port of Milford Haven is the programme’s main partner in Pembrokeshire.

Anna Mullarkey, the Port’s stakeholder engagement and communications manager, said: “The creativity and innovation shown by these learners is truly inspiring.

“They transformed their ideas into practical solutions that could help build a more sustainable future.

“We’re proud to support young people in reaching their full potential and delighted to see schools across Pembrokeshire creating environments where ideas and talent can flourish.”

The programme has now worked with more than 3,000 young people across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot.

It is due to expand further from September, with Ysgol Harri Tudor and Ysgol Caer Elen joining the Pembrokeshire programme alongside schools in Swansea, Powys and Bridgend.

Cymbrogi Futures founder and chief executive Liza Lort-Phillips said Pembrokeshire remained at the heart of the initiative.

She said: “The county has extraordinary young people with bold ideas about the future of their communities.

“Our job is to give them the space, the tools and the confidence to act on those ideas.”