Community

Water rescue training held at Llys-y-frân Lake

Published

10 seconds ago

January 21, 2026

Crews from three Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire stations take part in large-scale exercise

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews carried out a large-scale water rescue training exercise at Llys-y-frân Lake on Monday (Jan 19).

The lake, set in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains and covering more than 200 acres, was used for a scenario designed to test swift water rescue skills in challenging conditions.

Specialist teams from Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven Fire Stations took part, each attending with swift water rescue capability.

The exercise simulated a serious incident involving a collision between two boats, with multiple casualties spread across the lake and along the shoreline.

To make the scenario as realistic as possible, mannequins of different sizes and weights were positioned at various points around the site, including floating on the surface, submerged, and placed along the water’s edge.

Boat crews carried out searches on the water and recovered casualties, while wading teams were deployed to areas that could not be reached by boat, including sections of shoreline and shallow water.

Throughout the session, firefighters practised coordinated search techniques, casualty handling and communication between crews and the Incident Commander.

The training ran from the afternoon into the evening, allowing both wholetime and on-call firefighters to take part and put their skills into practice.

The fire service is currently recruiting on-call firefighters, and says the role offers training, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving opportunities, with pay including retainer fees and call-out payments.

Community

Family pays tribute to ‘gentle giant’ Alfie Copeland, 22

Published

59 minutes ago

January 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police appeal for witnesses and dashcam after fatal A487 crash near Cardigan

THE FAMILY of a 22-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision on the A487 near Cardigan have paid tribute to him, describing him as “bright, happy, hilarious, adventurous, ambitious, kind and a gentle giant”.

Alfie Copeland died following the collision on the A487 northbound, close to the junction with Caemorgan Road, at around 1.05pm on Saturday (Jan 17).

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said Alfie “had a bright future and so many plans”.

They added: “We will never stop missing him, always in our hearts.”

Officers investigating the circumstances of the collision are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed what happened to come forward.

Police are particularly keen to hear from drivers who were in the area at the time and may have dashcam footage which could support the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference DP-20260117-139.

Photo caption: Much-loved: Alfie Copeland has been described by his family as “kind and a gentle giant” (Pic: family).

Community

Compensation window opens for A40 scheme affected homeowners

Published

6 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEWLY upgraded stretch of the A40 in Pembrokeshire has prompted the Welsh Government to remind nearby property owners that compensation may be available where the road changes have reduced the value of their homes or land.

The A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross Improvement scheme was opened to traffic on Friday, May 2, 2025. While the works are designed to improve journeys and safety, the re-routing and altered road layout could, in some cases, lead to property depreciation.

According to a public notice, the formal period for submitting claims begins on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Eligible owners with a qualifying interest may be able to apply for compensation under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973, where depreciation is linked to the road being in use.

Further information is available by emailing [email protected].

Applications can also be submitted by post to: Part 1 Claims and Noise Team, Economic Infrastructure, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ.

Claimants are asked to quote reference: BZ042035-421-1.

Details of the scheme and the relevant legislation can be found online at: gov.wales/a40-llanddewi-velfrey-redstone-cross-improvements. For residents without internet access, a longer version of the notice is available on request, and larger-print copies can also be provided.

The notice is signed by Thomas Maton, Head of Land Acquisition.

Community

Flood Alert issued for Pembrokeshire coast

Published

6 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Natural Resources Wales has issued a Flood Alert for the Pembrokeshire coast, meaning flooding is possible.

The alert covers the coastline between St Dogmaels (Cardigan) and Amroth. Residents and visitors are urged to stay prepared and keep an eye on local conditions.

What to do now

Follow your flood plan, if you have one
Check where family members and pets are, and plan how you would move them to safety
Move important items upstairs or to higher ground (documents, valuables, sentimental items)
Charge your mobile phone and keep it switched on
Make sure you know how to turn off electricity, gas and water
Pack essentials in case you need to leave quickly (medication, warm clothes, phone charger, baby/pet supplies, insurance documents)
If safe to do so, move cars, livestock and equipment away from flood-prone areas

What not to do

Do not walk or drive through floodwater
- Just 30cm (1ft) of water can move a car
- Around 15cm can knock a person off their feet

More information

Flood updates and details: flood-warning.naturalresources.wales/Detail/102WABT02
Floodline: 0345 988 1188 (Quick dial: 503013)
Water levels: naturalresources.wales/riverlevels