News
Superfast broadband comes to Saundersfoot
PROPERTIES in Saundersfoot can now access fast fibre broadband thanks to Superfast Cymru, as the rollout of superfast broadband in Pembrokeshire continues. The first households and businesses in this area are now able to access fast fibre broadband. The highspeed technology enables businesses to work faster and more efficiently, benefitting from faster upload and download speeds and reducing the need to travel, helping to create jobs and expand businesses. Work is continuing across south Pembrokeshire with the Tenby exchange due to be upgraded shortly.
Other areas in the county where superfast broadband can already be accessed include Pembroke, Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest. At home fibre broadband is not just about a faster internet experience or about doing one thing quicker. It’s about everyone in the house being able to do their own thing online, all at the same time, whether that is streaming films, downloading music, studying or keeping in touch with loved ones.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Superfast broadband has the ability to change the way we live our lives. From accessing entertainment and communicating through social media to how businesses interact with customers and how we use public services.
“The Superfast Cymru programme is the most ambitious in the UK with the aim of reaching 96 percent of properties in Wales by the end of Spring 2016 delivering fast fibre to more people more quickly than the rest of the UK. It’s great news that residents and businesses in Saundersfoot are the latest to benefit.
“The Welsh Government is committed to seeing Wales become a truly digital nation and the Superfast Cymru programme is vital in making that vision a reality.” Superfast Cymru, a partnership between the Welsh Government, BT, UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund is the largest of its kind in the UK.
It is working to achieve, when combined with commercial programmes by the private sector, the Welsh Government’s aim of providing 96 percent of premises in Wales with access to fast fibre broadband by the end of Spring 2016. Superfast Cymru Programme Director, Ed Hunt, said: “We know how important it is that as many people as possible can take advantage of fibre broadband.
Through BT’s own commercial rollout and now with Superfast Cymru we are taking world class speeds the length and breadth of Wales, including rural and urban areas. “Great progress is being made but the sheer scale of the programme means we still have a long way to go.
We look forward to changing the lives of households across Wales and the growth opportunities for Welsh businesses, all brought about by our superfast deployment.“ Households and businesses in this area which want to take advantage of the benefits of fast fibre broadband should contact an internet service provider (ISP) of their choice to place an order.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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