News

Storm cleanup update: Roads, power, and services

Published

1 year ago

December 8, 2024

EFFORTS to clear the aftermath of recent storms across Pembrokeshire continue, with teams working tirelessly to reopen roads, restore power, and ensure public safety. Pembrokeshire County Council has issued updates as of noon, outlining progress and ongoing challenges.

Prioritising key routes

The focus remains on reopening A and B roads vital for emergency services and transport. While many obstructions have been cleared, several roads remain closed due to hazardous conditions. Contractors are deployed to address dangerous trees and other debris.

Roads still closed:

B4329 (Cardigan Road by North Court Farm): A large tree has been removed, but the road remains closed due to a dangerous tree awaiting assessment.
B4329 (Woodstock to New Inn): Closure continues as contractors work to clear the area.
B4327 (Hasguard Cross): This road will stay closed indefinitely while a contractor is deployed.
Boncath to New Chapel: A dangerous tree on private land is delaying clearance.

Roads Cleared or Reopened:

Mathry, Glenover Field (Haverfordwest), and Puffin Potatoes (Withybush): Cleared of fallen trees.
Wisemans Bridge to Coppet Hall: Cleared, with road closure signs removed.
B4341 (Broadway at Broad Haven): Reopened after clearance work.

Ongoing Challenges

Numerous roads are still under assessment or awaiting contractor deployment, including:

Lower Quay Road (Hook): Clearance in progress by private owners.
Barnlake Point: Four large conifer trees blocking the road are being addressed.
Clarbeston Road to Spittal Cross: Teams are en route for clearance.
Tree down between Parrog and Feidr Brenin (Newport): A large conifer is blocking access to properties; contractors are handling the task.

Power and Utilities

As of this morning, 7,183 properties remain without power, with National Grid deploying additional resources. Residents in the Tegryn area are also experiencing water supply issues, and Welsh Water is involved in resolving the matter. Leisure centres in St Davids and Crymych are open to provide warm spaces for those affected by outages.

Community Support

The council has expressed gratitude for the community’s assistance in clearing debris. Road sweepers have started work, and contractors are prioritising schools and emergency infrastructure.

Leisure and Waste Services

Most facilities remain operational, though Fishguard Leisure Centre is closed due to storm damage. Waste recycling centres are open, but Scolton Manor and Parc Gwyn Crematorium are temporarily shut.

Advice to Residents

A yellow wind warning remains in effect. Drivers are urged to exercise caution as debris may still be present on roads. For emergency hazards, residents can call the council’s out-of-hours number: 0345 601 5522.

The Herald will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

21 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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.