News
Partially sighted walker completes Pembrokeshire Coast Path
A MILFORD HAVEN man who is registered blind recently walked the entire Pembrokeshire Coast Path and is now challenging people of all abilities to follow in his footsteps.
70-year-old Roger Barrett completed the 186-mile National Trail in just 17 days over a period of three months, walking eight to 16 miles a day with the help of Peter Royle, a Voluntary Activity Leader for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Roger was diagnosed with the hereditary degenerative eye disease retinata pigmentosa 30 years ago. However, he was not about to let his impaired vision stop him from conquering all the ascents, descents, twists and turns the Coast Path provides.
He said: “Overall it was a very enjoyable experience and I’d thoroughly recommend that everyone have a go at it, even if you do it in short stages.
“I talk to people who say it’s always something they’ve fancied doing – I’ve shown that with help it’s possible for anyone to do it and hopefully others will now think it’s a good idea.
“The National Park volunteers are very generous with their time and energy and their willingness to take people out to enjoy the countryside and support them.”
The trip was arranged after Roger had been put in touch with the National Park Authority’s Walkability Project Co-ordinator Paul Casson, who put a call out for volunteers to accompany him on his walk. Peter initially volunteered to help out as part of a team but ended up completing the entire Coast Path.
The pair started their journey in June, setting off from Amroth in the south towards the north so the sun was behind them, which made it easier for Roger. The dynamic duo even returned to walk on the Castlemartin Range in August to make sure they had completed every section of the Path.
Peter, who has volunteered with the National Park Authority for nearly ten years, added: “It was great fun walking with Roger. It took us a while to work out how we were going to do it and there were a few teething problems. I realised if we came to a gate and I hadn’t told him in advance, he would keep walking and I would end up wedged between him and the gate.
“I’m rather glad I got involved as it’s the first time I’ve walked the entire Coast Path and it’s nice to have done it with a purpose.
“One of the main messages I hope people take from the walk is that the Coast Path is for everyone, don’t let any disability or restriction stop you enjoying the Path.”
Community
Leisure centres open until 9:00pm to support those affected by Storm Darragh
PEMBROKESHIRE’S Leisure Centres are stepping in to provide essential services for those left without electricity or utilities following Storm Darragh. All centres, except Fishguard, will remain open until 9:00pm on Sunday, December 8, offering warm spaces and more to residents in need.
Facilities available include:
- Warm spaces with free hot drinks.
- Charging stations for electric devices.
- Hot water, with visitors encouraged to bring flasks for filling.
- Shower facilities for public use.
Locations and availability Leisure centres in the following areas will remain open:
- Crymych
- Haverfordwest
- Milford Haven
- Pembroke
- St Davids
- Tenby
Fishguard Leisure Centre remains closed due to storm damage. As an alternative, Letterston Memorial Hall will offer limited facilities until 9:00pm.
Normal service resumes tomorrow
From Monday, December 9, all centres will resume their usual opening hours, with the exception of Fishguard, which will remain closed until repairs are completed.
For further updates, visit the Pembrokeshire Leisure website.
(Cover image: Martin Cavaney)
Community
Police advise to check on any vulnerable neighbours and family without power
PEMBROKESHIRE is facing widespread power outages tonight as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc across the region, leaving approximately 7,000 customers without electricity.
Dyfed-Powys Police have issued an urgent appeal for assistance, encouraging communities to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, if weather conditions allow.
The police have taken the unusual step of asking those in immediate need due to the power outages to contact them directly via 101 or through their social media channels.
In a statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are aware there are significant numbers of people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys without power. We are asking anyone requiring urgent support to reach out to us. Your welfare is our priority.”
A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of Mid and West Wales, with gusts of wind and heavy rain complicating recovery efforts.
Local authorities are working to address storm damage, including fallen trees and debris blocking roads. Residents are urged to report power cuts by calling 105 and fallen trees through their local council contacts:
- Pembrokeshire County Council: 0345 6015522
- Carmarthenshire County Council: via their website
- Ceredigion County Council: via their website
For updates on travel, weather, and flooding, the following resources are recommended:
- Travel: Traffic Wales North & Mid / South
- Weather: Met Office
- Flood alerts: Natural Resources Wales at 0345 988 1188
As the storm continues, authorities are urging the public to use caution, stay indoors where possible, and only travel if absolutely necessary.
For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999. For less urgent health concerns, NHS Wales advises using the 111 Wales online symptom checker.
Stay tuned to The Herald for further updates as the situation unfolds.
Community
Councillor visits fire station for electric blanket safety event
CASTLE WARD County Councillor Thomas Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station on Thursday (Dec 4) to witness a vital safety initiative in action. The fire service hosted a free electric blanket testing event for residents, providing advice on fire protection and prevention.
The initiative aimed to highlight potential fire hazards posed by faulty electric blankets, helping ensure residents stay safe during the colder months. Fire officers also educated attendees on other safety measures, including the importance of carbon monoxide detectors to guard against the dangers of the “silent killer.”
Councillor Tudor described the event as an eye-opening experience, praising the fire service’s commitment to promoting safety and raising awareness within the community.
For those who missed the event, fire safety tips and advice on carbon monoxide monitoring are available on the fire service’s website and through local outreach programs.
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