News

Thunder and lightning hits county

Published

11 years ago

November 26, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Photo by David James

PEMBROKESHIRE was hit by a violent storm system on Wednesday (Oct 8) which continued into in the early hours of Thursday. The skies lit up for several hours as thunder and lightening let rip, causing some localised but minor damage. Pembrokeshire County Council said in a statement that there were only a few weather-related issues in overnight, the roof of a flat above shops in Broad Haven was hit by lighning, resulting in a fire that caused substantial damage to the building’s roof. Council workmen, who were on duty at key points along the county’s coast overnight, cleared stones washed onto the road at Amroth, but confirmed the road remained open to traffic.

Carew Bridge, however, was closed during the night, from around 8.30 pm, due to flooding and only reopened earlier the following morning. The New Hedges to Tenby road was eventually cleared, following an accident, and there were reports of deep surface water on Pembroke’s streets. An area of huge concern was Newgale, where council workmen were on stand by should its shingle bank be breached again, as it was in last winter’s storms. Fortunately, the very high tide did not combine with a large storm surge and the road was left clear, with no flooding to the local buildings.

Arriva Trains Wales had to run a replacement bus service between Fishguard Harbour and Milford Haven, and between Fishguard Harbour and Carmarthen, due to signalling problems at Whitland which were caused by a lightning strike. Disruption carried on past lunchtime of the following day. In Milford Haven lightning strikes caused temporary power cuts. A local witness described, what he saw, as an incident at the Valero refinery.

He said: “I was looking across the Haven when a huge lightning strike seemed to hit the refinery and immediately a lot of lighting went off over there and an alarm sounded, and the flame stack immediately shot from virtually no flame to a huge one – certainly larger than I have ever seen!” A spokesperson for Valero told The Herald they could not comment on any operations at the plant, however, he did say that there had been ‘no dramas’ following the storm.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.