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Dyfed-Powys Police backs campaign to make running safer for women this winter

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Force supports Welsh Athletics’ ‘Own The Night’ initiative as darker evenings return

DYFED-POWYS Police has pledged its support for a new Welsh Athletics campaign aimed at making running safer for women during the winter months.

The Own The Night / Ein Nos Ni campaign recognises the growing concerns women have about personal safety when running after dark and encourages both practical action and cultural change across Wales.

The campaign aims to:
• Raise awareness of women’s safety concerns when running at night or in the early morning.
• Empower women to continue running through the winter months with confidence.
• Educate running communities and the wider public on allyship and practical ways to support women.
• ‘Reclaim the streets’ by encouraging clubs and groups across Wales to host a group run on Sunday, October 26, the day the clocks go back.

Hannah Baulch, Head of Participation at Welsh Athletics, said:
“Running in Wales is experiencing fantastic growth at the moment, with 293,000 adults participating regularly through organised and informal activity. We’re delighted that since 2020, female runners have made up more than half of our membership — something that’s rare in other sports.

“However, we know that female runners face challenges during the winter months. It’s not just about cold weather or slippery roads — it’s about safety. Research by This Girl Can shows that almost three-quarters of women in the UK change their outdoor activity routines during winter, and a recent Our Streets Now survey revealed that 93% of women have experienced public sexual harassment while running. This simply isn’t acceptable.

“We’ve asked Welsh Government for a commitment to make our streets safer, but we also want communities across Wales to support one another by being the light for other runners, showing respect, and calling out bad behaviour. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Dyfed-Powys Police is backing the campaign by sending Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams to local running clubs and events to hear directly from runners about their experiences.

Detective Superintendent Wayne Bevan, the force’s lead for protecting vulnerable people, said:
“Women should not feel that they have to change their running habits during the winter months, but sadly many do. Everyone deserves to be safe, and to feel safe. It’s not right that women feel fearful to run their usual routes once the darker evenings set in.

“We’re pleased to support this campaign by Welsh Athletics and hope it will empower women to keep running throughout the winter. We’ll be visiting local clubs, Parkruns and running events to speak to runners and listen to their concerns.

“Anyone who experiences harassment or intimidating behaviour while running should report it to the police so we can investigate. If you feel unsafe due to environmental issues such as poor lighting, please report it via the StreetSafe website.”

StreetSafe allows people to report safety concerns like poorly lit streets or vandalism, although it is not for reporting crimes.

Report a safety concern: StreetSafe | Dyfed-Powys Police
Report a crime:
• Online: www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact
• Email: [email protected]
• Call: 101
• In an emergency, dial 999.

To find out more about the campaign and how to take part, visit: www.welshathletics.org/en/page/own-the-night

 

Community

Pembrokeshire students speak at national Holocaust Memorial Day event

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TWO Haverfordwest High School pupils addressed senior political and religious figures and a Holocaust survivor at Wales’ main commemoration in Cardiff

Holocaust Memorial Day was marked in Cardiff this week with a powerful contribution from two Pembrokeshire students, who were invited to speak at Wales’ national commemoration event.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal, both Year 13 pupils at Haverfordwest High School, attended the ceremony at the Temple of Peace on Monday (Jan 27) in their roles as ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust.

The pair were asked to deliver speeches reflecting on their work with the Trust and their involvement in the “Lessons from Auschwitz” project, which educates young people about the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.

They spoke in front of a distinguished audience that included the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, senior civic leaders and Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos.

The national event formed part of Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, which was held under the theme “bridging generations”, highlighting the responsibility of younger generations to carry forward the lessons of the past as the number of living survivors declines.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal were the only young Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors representing Wales at the national ceremony, a distinction described as a significant honour for both the students and Pembrokeshire.

A parent said the occasion was “profoundly emotive and important”, adding that being invited to speak at such a high-profile event was an accolade for the students and a reflection of the strength of Holocaust education work taking place locally.

Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

 

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Business

Final wind turbine deliveries completed after months of disruption

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Last major component reaches site as Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thank communities for patience

DRAGON LNG and Dragon Energy have confirmed that the final large component for a new wind turbine project has now been successfully delivered, bringing months of complex abnormal load movements on Pembrokeshire roads to an end.

The companies said the final turbine blade was delivered to the site on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), marking the completion of all major component deliveries associated with the project.

In a statement, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation throughout the delivery programme, acknowledging that the operation caused disruption on local roads.

Residents across parts of the county have previously experienced temporary road closures, traffic delays and police escorts as oversized turbine components were transported from the Port of Milford Haven to the site under tightly controlled conditions.

The abnormal load movements required months of detailed planning and coordination, involving route surveys, traffic management, police support and liaison with local authorities to ensure deliveries were carried out safely and with minimal disruption wherever possible.

The companies also apologised for the inconvenience caused during the delivery phase, saying the support and understanding shown by residents had been “invaluable” in allowing the project to reach this milestone.

A number of organisations were involved in supporting the operation, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, haulage specialists Collett & Sons Ltd and Green Light Traffic Management.

Local media outlets, including The Pembrokeshire Herald, provided advance notice and updates during the delivery process to help keep residents informed.

With the final major deliveries now complete, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy said the project would continue to progress to the next phase of construction on site.

 

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Community

New illustrated heritage map unveiled in Narberth town centre

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A NEW illustrated heritage and wayfinding map has been installed in Narberth town centre, highlighting the town’s rich architectural history, cultural heritage and key landmarks.

The hand-drawn map has been created by local artist Fran Evans and is part of a wider project aimed at improving interpretation and the visitor experience in Narberth.

The panels have been installed at two prominent locations: the undercroft, also known as Rebecca’s Cell, at the rear of the Old Town Hall, and the existing external display frame at the side of No.47, adjacent to the town’s museum.

Developed and delivered by Narberth Town Council, the project has been funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, with additional match funding provided by the Town Council.

The illustrated map features detailed drawings of historic buildings, local stories and notable points of interest. It is designed to function both as a practical guide for residents and visitors navigating the town, and as a visual celebration of Narberth’s heritage.

Town councillors say the project forms part of a broader effort to enhance how the town’s history is presented in public spaces, making it more accessible and engaging for those visiting the area.

The Town Council has indicated that further information about the project, including background details and images of the newly installed panels, can be made available, along with comments from the artist and council representatives.

 

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