Community

Amber Alert: Public urged to help prevent wildfires during UK heatwave

Published

11 months ago

August 11, 2025

WITH parts of the UK battling serious wildfires, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is warning people to take hot weather risks seriously and act responsibly to prevent further incidents.

Over the weekend, more than 100 firefighters tackled a major blaze on Dorset heathland, forcing the evacuation of 20 homes and destroying an area the size of several football pitches. Meanwhile, flames engulfed parts of Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, a popular tourist spot, prompting renewed safety warnings.

Steve Cole, Director of Policy at RoSPA, said: “These fires are a stark reminder that the UK is not immune to the dangers of extreme heat. With temperatures soaring and vegetation drying out, the risk of wildfires increases dramatically – even in urban and coastal areas. Many of these fires are preventable. Simple actions like disposing of cigarettes properly and avoiding open flames can make a huge difference.”

RoSPA’s hot weather safety advice:

Avoid open flames: Do not light barbecues (especially disposable ones), campfires or grills in parks, woodlands or heathlands.

Dispose of cigarettes responsibly: Never discard cigarette ends on the ground, particularly in dry grassy areas.

Stay alert: Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 999.

Protect your property: Clear dry vegetation around your home and follow local fire safety guidance.

Cole added: “Climate change is contributing to longer, hotter summers and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. The recent fires underscore the need for greater public awareness and preparedness.”

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has also faced recent blazes caused by human activity. In May, a carelessly discarded disposable barbecue sparked a wildfire at Glen Finglas, burning an area the size of two rugby pitches and killing nesting birds and other wildlife.

Leigh Hamilton, Ranger Service Manager at the Park Authority, said: “May’s wildfire is a stark reminder of the devastating impact a single reckless act can have on our National Park. We work with emergency services and local communities to protect this extraordinary landscape, but with more than 720 square miles to care for, we cannot be everywhere.

“This summer, as we face continued drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to be vigilant and act responsibly. Avoid naked flames, dispose of waste properly, and call 999 immediately if you witness a wildfire. Everyone has a part to play – if you care about this landscape, help us protect it.”

For more information on heatwave safety and wildfire prevention, visit rospa.com, your local authority’s website, or follow updates from your local fire service.

Community

New town map unveiled in Fishguard

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW town map has been installed in the heart of Fishguard to help residents and visitors discover more of what the area has to offer.

The map, created by Visit Fishguard & Goodwick’s in-house graphic designer, has been placed on the Abergwaun Hotel tunnel, near Offshore Surfwear’s new shop.

The group said it was “incredibly proud” of the finished result and thanked the building owner for allowing the map to be installed on the premises.

Visit Fishguard & Goodwick is now hoping to create a similar map for Goodwick and is asking for help from a centrally located building owner who may be willing to host it.

Anyone who can help, or knows of a suitable location, is being asked to get in touch with Visit Fishguard & Goodwick.

Community

Tenby Summer Spectacular cancelled amid council row over harbour access

Published

9 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Organisers say popular charity events cannot safely go ahead without clear powers to control crowds

TENBY ROUND TABLE has announced that this summer’s Tenby Summer Spectacular events have been cancelled until further notice amid a dispute with Pembrokeshire County Council over crowd control at the harbour.

The events, which were due to take place on Sunday, August 16 and Sunday, August 30, have been a major feature of Tenby’s summer calendar for decades, drawing large crowds to the harbour for entertainment, food, drink and fireworks.

In a statement, Tenby Round Table said the decision had been made “with enormous sadness” and claimed it had been forced on organisers because of unresolved issues over the safe management of pedestrian access.

The organisation said it needed the council’s Public Realm department to use statutory powers to temporarily restrict pedestrian access through the event area when capacity is reached.

Organisers said the matter had first been raised with the council in September 2025 and again formally in writing in May 2026.

They said volunteers had attended meetings, commissioned professional health and safety consultants and worked on Event Management Plans, but claimed the council had still not provided a clear answer.

Tenby Round Table said: “PCC’s Public Realm department has had nine months to answer one question on safe and controlled access to the harbour. It has not done so.”

The group also alleged that recent written responses from the council contained factual inaccuracies and misleading statements about the relevant legislation.

It added that the council’s legal advice was understood to be provisional and still under internal review.

The cancellation is currently described as provisional, with organisers giving the council a final deadline of June 25 to provide what they describe as a clear, accurate and legally grounded answer.

Tenby Round Table said that if this is provided, it will do everything possible to reinstate the events.

The group said the Summer Spectacular had raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities, sports teams, community groups and worthy individuals since it began.

It said the cancellation would be a devastating blow to those who benefit from the funds raised.

The statement added that organisers are still working with Dyfed-Powys Police and other relevant authorities ahead of a council licensing committee meeting in July, which is expected to consider whether the event licence should be renewed, amended or withdrawn.

The Herald has asked Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

13 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.