News

Act now on Hakin Cliff issue say politicians

Published

10 years ago

March 2, 2016

STEPHEN CRABB MP and Paul Davies AM are calling for action to remedy the long standing problem of a cliff collapse above Hakin Point in Milford Haven. A landslip occurred at the location on 1st July 2012, and two further land slips have occurred since. The cliff has a main sewerage pipe in it, prompting fears that any further landslips could cause damage to the pipe leading to major environmental problems.

The issue was highlighted in a two page report in The Herald last month.

A number of people who own properties under the cliff have had their properties severely damaged, and the footpath above the cliff that leads from Hakin Point to Point Fields has been closed as the area is now deemed too dangerous to allow people to use.

Commenting on the matter, Stephen Crabb MP said “I have been in touch with residents from Hakin Point for more than 3 years about this issue. They remain very concerned about the potential for further landslips and damage to their properties. Clearly this situation cannot continue and Pembrokeshire County Council and Dwr Cymru need to take action now to provide reassurance and clarity about future action.”

Paul Davies AM said “In order to try to resolve the situation, I organised a meeting in November 2014 which was attended by Stephen Crabb and senior officers from Dwr Cymru and Pembrokeshire County Council. I left the meeting with some optimism that Dwr Cymru and Pembrokeshire County Council could resolve this issue. It was agreed that both organisations would share existing reports on the matter and commission new reports to ascertain the current position. However, by June 2015, Dwr Cymru had decided it was not their responsibility to make good the cliff which would protect their mains sewerage pipe.”

Mr Davies continued “The mains sewerage pipe was laid by the then Milford Haven Urban District Council in the late 1960s, prior to the existence of Dwr Cymru. I have seen minutes from the Council between 1968 and 1970, which mention problems encountered when laying the pipe and “the crumbling cliff face”. Dwr Cymru are now responsible for the pipe, and I feel that for them to walk away from the problem is not good enough. It’s quite obvious that urgent action is required to tackle this matter. Dwr Cymru, in conjunction with Pembrokeshire County Council need to take action to stabilise the cliff to give peace of mind to Hakin Point property owners and to safeguard their mains sewerage pipe. In addition, this action would also mean that the footpath would reopen.”

One of the affected householders are Bryan and Ozra Johnson. Commenting on the situation Bryan Johnson said “As a local couple, when we bought our house in Hakin Point, we were convinced we’d found the perfect home. We spent many years restoring the property to its former glory. Then three and a half years ago our dream home literally collapsed around us; the cliff behind the house started to disintegrate showering the property with rocks and debris; no longer a dream but the start of a nightmare. Now large parts of the house are uninhabitable due to the damage but also due to the constant fear of further rock falls.”

Mr Johnson continued “We are further away than ever from a solution, with Dwr Cymru and Pembrokeshire County Council saying it is nothing to do with them. We have the added problem and worry of the sewerage pipe in the cliff face. Of course if we had an option to walk away and start building our lives again elsewhere that might be the answer, but our property at Hakin Point is our life, there is no option to walk away. We have invested financially and emotionally into the property, we’ve brought up our children here. Is it too much to ask for some honesty, some lateral thinking and above all some compassion from these organisations.”

Charity

Blood Bikes Wales volunteer finds new purpose after lifeboat career ends

Published

4 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FORMER lifeboat coxswain who was told he was too old to continue going to sea has found a new sense of purpose with Blood Bikes Wales.

Clive had spent decades serving his community, including almost 20 years as a First Responder with the Welsh Ambulance Service and 38 years with the lifeboat. He eventually became coxswain, but at the age of 65 was told he could no longer continue in the role.

Despite being fit and healthy, holding a Class 1 driving licence and a Private Pilot’s Licence, stepping away from something that had been such a major part of his life proved difficult. He said the loss of involvement, purpose and identity hit hard.

Determined to find a new volunteering challenge, Clive contacted Blood Bikes Wales. As an advanced driver, he hoped to take on a car-based role, but discovered the charity operated motorcycles. At that point, he did not even have a motorcycle licence.

Rather than give up, Clive decided to learn to ride, pass his motorcycle test and work towards the advanced qualification needed to apply as a Blood Bikes Wales rider.

“It was the best decision I ever made,” he said. “The challenge and freedom that motorcycling gave me was a real tonic.”

With determination and support from mentors, Clive achieved his RoSPA Gold qualification and passed the assessments to become a Blood Bikes Wales rider.

Now, just over 18 months into his Blood Bikes Wales journey and approaching his 70th birthday, he says the charity has given him back something he feared he had lost.

He said: “I am truly grateful that I committed to the challenge and extremely thankful to Blood Bikes Wales for giving me back the direction, involvement and identity I had lost a few years earlier.

“Blood Bikes Wales is a truly inspirational and inclusive charity, made even more remarkable by the fact that every member is a volunteer. I feel proud to wear my rider’s jacket and represent the charity.”

Crime

Man wanted in connection with rape investigation has Pembrokeshire links

Published

4 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police in Milford Haven and Neyland assisting Warwickshire officers in appeal to trace 23-year-old

MILFORD HAVEN and Neyland police have issued an appeal to help locate a man wanted in connection with a rape investigation.

Officers are assisting colleagues from Warwickshire Police, who are seeking information on the whereabouts of 23-year-old Rhys Trott in connection with a rape allegation in Nuneaton.

Police say Trott is believed to have links to the Milford Haven area of Pembrokeshire.

In a public appeal, Warwickshire Police said they are keen to trace Trott as part of ongoing enquiries.

Anyone who has seen him or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Warwickshire Police through their website or by quoting the relevant incident details.

Milford Haven and Neyland Police shared the appeal on social media on Tuesday (June 3), asking local residents to come forward with any information that may assist officers.

Photo caption:

Rhys Trott, 23, is wanted by Warwickshire Police in connection with a rape investigation and is believed to have links to Milford Haven (Pic: Warwickshire Police).

Community

Youth centre given colourful new look thanks to local firm

Published

6 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people at a Haverfordwest youth centre have helped transform one of its rooms into a bright and welcoming space.

The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest, has thanked W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting the painting and decorating project, which saw young people work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from the company.

The project has given the room a colourful refresh, creating a cheerful space for young people using the centre.

Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, also supported the work by supplying the colourful paints.

A spokesperson for The Edge Youth Centre said: “We’d like to extend a huge thank you to W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting us with the painting and decorating of one of the rooms at our Youth Centre.

“The young people were fortunate enough to work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd, to transform the room.

“Thanks to Chris and the young people’s hard work and enthusiasm, the space is now looking bright, welcoming, and cheerful.

“We’d also like to thank Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, for generously supplying the colourful paints. Your support has helped create a vibrant room that young people can enjoy for years to come.”

The centre added: “Thank you both for your generosity and for helping us create such a positive space for our young people.”

Photo caption: Bright new look: Young people worked alongside W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd to refresh a room at The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest.