News

Major flooding triggers emergency rescues across West Wales

Published

4 months ago

November 5, 2025

Fire service declares major incident as dozens evacuated and animals saved from rising waters

CARDIGANSHIRE, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire have faced one of the worst flooding emergencies in years, with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) declaring a major incident overnight as torrential rain and overflowing rivers left homes, vehicles, and animal sanctuaries under water.

At the height of the storm, between Tuesday evening (Nov 4) and Wednesday morning (Nov 5), firefighters responded to more than 450 calls in just twelve hours, many involving people trapped by rising floodwaters in their homes or stranded in vehicles.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery praised crews for their “dedication and professionalism” during what he described as an exceptionally challenging 24-hour period.

“Our operational crews and Joint Fire Control Centre have been under immense pressure, but their response has been nothing short of extraordinary,” he said.
“We are grateful to all partner agencies and volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the night to keep our communities safe.”

***Gumfreston, Pembrokeshire (Pic: Stephen Roberts)***

48 people rescued in Whitland

The most serious operation unfolded in Whitland, where floodwaters engulfed a retirement housing complex in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Crews from Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Swansea Central, Carmarthen and Whitland Fire Stations rescued 48 residents using sleds and water rescue equipment before relocating them to safety at Whitland Town Hall.

Dogs saved from rising water in Kidwelly

In Kidwelly, floodwater tore through Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary, where 34 dogs were trapped in their kennels.
Firefighters from Gorseinon and Cymmer stations waded through chest-deep water in pitch darkness to reach the animals, ferrying them to safety in cages using inflatable sleds.

Three people and two dogs rescued in Lampeter

Another dramatic rescue unfolded near Ffarmers, Lampeter, where three people and two dogs became stranded in a vehicle caught in fast-flowing floodwater.
Crews from Lampeter and Aberystwyth stations used extension ladders to reach the vehicle and bring the occupants to safety. They were treated by ambulance crews at the scene.

Flood chaos in St Clears and Ferryside

Further south, emergency teams assisted 42 people from homes and businesses in St Clears, where about 20 buildings were flooded.
In Ferryside, firefighters and lifeboat volunteers led several residents to safety from inundated properties before relocating them to Ferryside RFC for shelter.

Ongoing challenges

The service warned that recovery operations would take days as floodwaters recede and debris is cleared.
MAWWFRS confirmed that all operational crews remain on high alert, working with the Dyfed-Powys Local Resilience Forum and local councils to support recovery efforts.

“This has been a prolonged and challenging event, and we’re not out of it yet,” said ACFO Flannery. “We’ll continue to assist our communities for as long as needed.”

Crime

Man sentenced for stalking Milford Haven woman

Published

58 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest magistrates

A MAN has been sentenced after admitting stalking a woman in Milford Haven.

Andrew Richards, 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

Richards had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Tamsin Matthias and which he knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until September 8, 2027.

As part of the order, Richards must undertake alcohol treatment for nine months under the direction of the probation service.

He must also complete up to twenty days of rehabilitation activity as directed by probation.

Richards was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £500 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court made a restraining order lasting until September 8, 2027.

Under the order, Richards must not contact the victim directly or indirectly and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material on social media or the internet referring to her directly or indirectly.

The court heard a victim personal statement from the complainant, which was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was prosecuted by Dennis Davies, with Richards represented by Mike Kelleher.

The hearing was before magistrates Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.

Crime

Man, 80, sentenced for stalking after campaign of unwanted emails and posters

Published

1 hour ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed after Haverfordwest case

A MAN has been sentenced for stalking after admitting a campaign of unwanted contact and harassment in Haverfordwest.

Michael Lockheart, 80, of Daisy Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

The court had previously heard that between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking.

The offence involved sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop making contact, putting up defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to the complainant’s GP and local authority.

Lockheart had entered a guilty plea to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, on January 27, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until March 8, 2028.

As part of that order, Lockheart must undergo non-residential mental health treatment for 12 months under Dr Cormac Duffy, as directed by probation.

He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

Lockheart was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, a £600 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court also made a restraining order lasting until March 8, 2028.

Under that order, he must not seek, approach or communicate with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly. He must not knowingly enter any address where she is living, and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material online or on social media referring to her directly or by implication.

A victim personal statement was read to the court by the prosecutor.