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DataMapWales platform helps communities prepare for floods and local change

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A WELSH GOVERNMENT mapping platform is being used to help communities, councils and emergency responders access vital local information across Wales.

DataMapWales, supported by Ordnance Survey data, brings together more than 3,000 datasets in one place, covering everything from public toilets and EV charging points to speed limits, active travel routes and Welsh language place names.

The platform, which began more than a decade ago as an environmental tool, is now also being developed to support emergency planning and response.

Flood risk support

A new application called Jigso is being built to help Wales’ resilience community prepare for major incidents, including flooding, landslides and severe weather.

With climate change expected to bring more frequent flooding, the system is designed to help emergency services and local authorities identify affected areas more quickly.

The majority of emergency services, responder agencies and resilience organisations across Wales have already signed up to the application.

Jigso uses property-level data to help agencies identify vulnerable households and those most in need of help during an emergency.

The system was used during flooding in Monmouthshire last year to calculate the number of vulnerable households affected, helping emergency services respond more quickly.

Planning and public information

DataMapWales also supports local authorities with planning and decision-making, including active travel schemes, carbon modelling, land-use changes and deprivation mapping.

The website hosts around 600 open datasets which can be accessed directly by the public.

Dave Roberts, Head of Geography at the Welsh Government, said: “DataMapWales is constantly evolving. Looking after a smaller country, we are able to work in a very agile way in terms of what we are delivering and how the portal is used.

“Ordnance Survey data provides the backbone of DataMapWales and is key to the success and effectiveness of the platform.”

Pam Whitham, Customer Development Manager at Ordnance Survey, said: “We have had a very close relationship with the Welsh Government for many years and are delighted that it continues to use OS data extensively, particularly in DataMapWales.

“This is a fantastic portal where public sector and service providers across the country are able to access trusted and authoritative data to support their routine and critical services.”

 

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

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A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

 

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Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

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Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

 

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Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

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PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle

 

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