News
Reform councillor hits the ground running in Carmarthenshire
Michelle Beer outlines first initiatives and vows to bring fresh energy to West Wales politics
REFORM UK councillor Michelle Beer has wasted no time settling into her new role after a shock by-election win in the Lliedi ward of Llanelli — launching a series of community initiatives and pledging to be “visible, accessible, and accountable” to local people.
Less than two weeks after her election to Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Beer has begun holding meetings with residents, responding to casework, and setting out her plans for the ward — including a new monthly litter-picking scheme and a pledge to host open-door surgeries.
Her first public surgery is due to take place on Monday, July 7 at Llanelli Town Hall from 10:00am to 11:30am.
“This isn’t about party politics — it’s about people,” said Cllr Beer. “Lliedi deserves a councillor who shows up, listens, and works hard. I’m already speaking with residents, local businesses, community groups and public service teams to understand where the problems are and how we can start addressing them together.”
Political shockwaves

Beer’s win — Reform UK’s first council seat in Carmarthenshire — has caused ripples beyond the ward. Her 42.6% share of the vote not only unseated Labour from a previously safe patch but has also raised questions about whether Reform’s support could now spread to other parts of South Wales.
“This result wasn’t just a protest,” a local Reform supporter told The Herald. “People feel let down by the status quo and are responding to someone who speaks plainly and turns up.”
Some Labour activists privately admit they were “caught off guard” by the scale of the swing, which saw their candidate pushed into second place with just 23.4% of the vote.
From ministry to council chamber
Cllr Beer’s journey into politics is far from conventional. A former marketing consultant and mother-of-four, she stepped away from business to attend the Bible College of Wales and support her family, including her husband Gareth — a Reform UK parliamentary candidate in 2024.
Now, she says, her focus is squarely on community service and delivering on local issues, not national debates.
“I’ve always believed in servant leadership,” she said. “That means being present, being transparent, and making decisions in the interests of the people who put their trust in you.”
Ward priorities

Top of her list are improvements to street cleanliness, stronger links with community policing teams, and exploring how local services can better support families and older residents.
She also plans to work closely with fellow Lliedi councillor Rob James — an independent — and says cross-party cooperation is essential: “I’m not here to argue for the sake of it. I want to work with anyone who puts Lliedi first.”
News
Fatal crash appeal after driver dies on A44 near Aberystwyth
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a driver died in a crash on the A44.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the collision happened at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (May 5) on the A44 between Capel Bangor and Goginan, near Aberystwyth
The crash involved a single vehicle, a white Volkswagen Golf, which was travelling eastbound towards Goginan when it left the carriageway.
Sadly, the driver died at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Police confirmed there were no other passengers in the vehicle.
Officers are now asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time, to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
Charity
Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return
Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront
MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.
The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.
Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.
Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.
Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.
The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.
Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.
Community support
Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.
“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”
Ticket information
Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.
Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.
The event is strictly over-18s only.
Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.
Charity
Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care
SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT
A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.
Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.
The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.
The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.
Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.
Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.
Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.
The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.
The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.
Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.
The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.
Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.
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