News

Dairy closure ‘is a body blow’

Published

12 years ago

December 19, 2013

THE proposed closure of Dairy Crest’s Proper Welsh Milk dairy at Whitland, which puts 31 jobs in jeopardy, is a major body blow for the region’s capacity to process milk locally, a Farmers’ Union of Wales official said on Monday.

FUW vice president Brian Walters, who runs a dairy farm near Carmarthen, said: “There is already a lack of processing capacity for milk in Wales and this move, so soon after Dairy Crest took over the dairy, comes at a time when there are increasing calls for more local processing.

“As a local dairy farmer I think it is a great pity because we need more processing capacity in Wales, not less, to help cut down on food miles and prepare ourselves for the abolition of Milk Quota in 2015.

“If we are hoping to produce more milk in the future to meet an expanding market, we need to be able to access more processing capacity locally, not further away.”

Proper Welsh invested £1.5m there in 2011 and at the time it was hoped the dairy would process and bottle up to 10 million litres of locally-sourced milk each year.

Dairy Crest announced it is starting consultation with the 31 employees and their representatives regarding the proposed closure of Proper Welsh Milk dairy which it bought from administrators in March this year with the aim of maintaining production and employment and developing new products at the site.

However, production volumes had fallen short of expectations and significant investment was needed to bring the site up to Dairy Crest standards, they added.

Mark Allen, Chief Executive of Dairy Crest, said: “We are disappointed that it has not been possible to make a success of Proper Welsh, but lower sales and higher costs mean it is not possible to operate the site economically. We will do all we can to help employees at the dairy who may be affected by these proposals. We will also work with customers to offer them alternative packing arrangements and ensure there is no disruption to their service.

“We remain committed to the Welsh dairy sector and are continuing to recruit farmers and invest in milk collection facilities around Carmarthen.”

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart said he was deeply saddened by the proposals.

Mr Hart said: “I am desperately sad that Dairy Crest were unable to make this venture work.

“The employees have worked incredibly hard and deserve a better outcome than this. It is frustrating that this has happened just before Christmas.

“I will do anything I can to help them find alternative work in the area and urge them to get in touch.”

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

6 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

8 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

8 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.