News
Milford mourns death of tragic teen Morgan
ON FRIDAY, (Feb 12) a tragic collision took place, which took the life of the young Morgan Power and left his father in a critical condition in Morriston Hospital, Swansea.
The following day, after the devastating incident, hundreds of Morgan’s friends and family flocked to the Rath in Milford Haven, to set off fireworks in his memory. Since then a public donation has been started and a memorial signed banner has been placed up.
The crash involved a lorry which collided with Morgan and his father Karl Power’s van whilst they were on their way to work.
The Peugeot Partner van was travelling eastward on the M4 when it reached junction 46 at 6.11am and it collided with the large lorry.
The van soon-after caught fire, which engulfed the vehicle in flames. Morgan Power, aged 17 was pronounced dead at the scene and Karl who was driving was taken immediately to hospital, where he was later put into induced coma.
Mid and West Wales Fire Service crews from Morriston and Neath attended the accident along with two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and the Welsh Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team.
While the road-side investigation into the cause was underway, the road was closed leading to tailbacks almost nine miles long as far back as Junction 48.
With his condition not showing any signs of changing, Karl’s friends set up a donation page online for anybody wishing to help Mrs Power and their family through the hard period.
The donations have been streaming in the past week with over 570 people having shared the page which has so far reached over £1,400.
The community of Milford Haven came together the day after the crash, Saturday (Feb 13). 350 people gathered to take part in the tribute for Morgan, which involved fireworks, candle lanterns.
Morgan’s heartbroken mother and Karl’s wife has paid tribute to her “wonderful and cherished son” and spoken about the evening.
“Never in my life have I seen so many people in one place for one amazing young lad.. Such an amazing turn out.. Milford is in mourning for a truly amazing boy!!” she said.
Speaking about the gathering a local woman and friend to the family said: “Massive credit to the young people that organised tonight on behalf of Morgan, and to the youth workers who turned up to provide tea and coffee too everyone and the anglers corner who put on an absolutely amazing display.”
A banner was placed on Milford Haven’s Tesco roundabout which was signed by family and friends of Morgan, the same group who organised the banner, also released helium balloons with messages attached in his memory.
From 12noon on Monday (Feb 15) a book of remembrance has been available for everyone who knew Morgan to sign. The book is at Milford Haven Town Hall and will eventually be given to his family.
Not a month before the incident Morgan entered a relationship, his girlfriend has posted to Facebook after she put up the banner: “This is for you Morgs, we all signed a banner for you, from all your friends that miss you so much! Words cannot explain how much I miss you already!”
“Not a day will go by where I will not think off you! You were such a big part of my life and always will be. Love you millions”
One friend of Morgan’s posted a picture online and said: “RIP Morgs missed and loved by many, you were an amazing son, brother, boyfriend and friend, known well though Pembrokeshire as being a loving, kind and funny young man. Taken too soon!”
Milford Haven Golf Club wrote on Facebook about the tragedy: “The club is shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic accident this morning which has resulted in one of our well known and popular members being admitted to hospital with serious injuries.
“We await further news on Karl Power and wish him a speedy recovery.
“The club also extends our heart felt sympathies and condolences to the family who sadly and tragically lost their teenage son Morgan in the accident.”
Hundreds of messages, pictures and videos have been shared over the past week from those who knew Morgan, with everybody expressing their deepest condolences and wishing Karl a swift recovery.
To contribute to the fund raiser which has been set up online visit: www.gofundme.com/5cjvck5a
News
Pembrokeshire County Council suffers major funding cut
THE FUNDING of schemes already underway has been threatened by the change in government in Westminster.
The Labour administration has changed the criteria for funding under the Shared Prosperity Scheme, meaning that Pembrokeshire has suffered a cut in funding from it of over 40%. The change means that some projects must either be shelved or reduced in scope.
As projects previously part-funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund include controversial schemes such as the new pedestrian bridge in Haverfordwest town centre, opposition councillors on Pembrokeshire County Council will be delighted at the loss of central government funding for the county.
The UK Government has already announced that the Shared Prosperity Fund will close in March 2026. Although Labour claims it will undertake a review of local growth funding beforehand, that sounds more like a loaded rifle cocking with each passing day.
If funding falls to a Barnett consequential level (i.e. strictly pro rata to the English settlement) from 2026- 27 onwards, the result would be a massive cut in public investment and capital projects undertaken by all Welsh councils. As the Welsh Government has kicked local government finance into the long grass until after the next Welsh Parliamentary election in 2026, there is a void and uncertainty over future funding settlements beyond that date.
Moreover, the Welsh Government’s magic circle of mutual back-scratching with its Valleys and urban councils means Pembrokeshire and other rural areas are likely to suffer major real-terms funding reductions across the board.
News
Inflation and election hit Pembroke regeneration plan
A PLAN to regenerate Pembroke town centre must be cut following delays caused by the General Election and an almost one-third increase in the cost of construction.
The Council’s Cabinet will consider an update on the Westgate to Eastgate scheme on Monday, January 13.
The County Council originally applied for around £11.5m from the Levelling Up Fund in June 2022. Although that bid was unsuccessful, the Council was invited to reapply in a further funding round and succeeded. The £11.5m cost of the project is 90% funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Council is due to contribute 10% of that figure.
However, even though the Council succeeded in resubmitting its application early in 2024, the General Election in July stalled further progress. At the end of November last year, the Labour Government in Westminster issued a final memorandum committing to the expenditure.
In the two years since the original application, inflation has increased the project’s construction costs by 30%, underlining – again – that the consumer price index is a nonsensical measure for determining public authorities’ costs.
The Council contends that interventions at Pembroke would help stimulate the town’s economy. The town is experiencing increasing market failure due to increased vacancies in the retail centre, a poor mix of uses and significant leakage to other centres. The regeneration scheme would strengthen the visitor market and capitalise on the current visitor economy for Pembroke Castle, which bypasses the town centre.
Pembroke has the smallest number of commercial units (81) of Pembrokeshire’s six main towns and a high proportion of vacant units (17.3%).
The Cabinet report says: “The private sector will not provide the improvements to wayfinding and public realm improvements that are required to change the nature of the visitor experience. The lack of private sector development resulting from low values and low demand means that the potential of any private sector contributions is limited.”
In the absence of private sector interest, the Council believes public funding is the only tool it has to regenerate Pembroke’s ailing town centre and support new enterprises.
The project has three work schemes. Its primary focus is improving connections between the Commons Road, where most visitors park, and the town centre. The alleys and cut-throughs will be improved, and visitors will be signposted towards Pembroke’s Main Street and Mill Pond.
To increase visitors’ time spent in the town centre, the Council will improve its public spaces and green spaces and fund the renewal of St Mary’s Bells, a noted feature of Pembroke town.
At the town’s East End, the former school building will be stripped back to a shell state and partially refitted in readiness for future use, while steps will be taken to improve vehicular access along Well Hill.
Community
Veterans urged to register for historic VE and VJ Day events
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION is inviting Second World War veterans and their families to register for commemorations marking the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day in 2025. These events aim to honour the service and sacrifice of the generation that contributed to the Allied victory.
Milestone anniversaries
This year marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War, with Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August 1945. Registration is now open on the RBL website for veterans, their families, or carers to join commemorations at both national and community events.
The RBL is organising a series of events to ensure the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation are forever remembered. The celebrations will recognise the critical role played by Allied Forces from Britain, the Commonwealth, and beyond.
National unity in remembrance
Last year, the nation came together for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with major events attended by members of the Royal Family, political leaders, and the public. In 2025, the RBL hopes the nation will unite again to honour the generation that fought for the freedoms enjoyed in modern Britain.
D-Day veteran Jim Miller, 100, from Merthyr Vale, shared his perspective:
“2025 is an important year for my generation, with anniversaries for both VE and VJ Day. It is always an honour being part of a Royal British Legion event, joining with comrades to remember and pay tribute to those we lost. I encourage all who served to register on the RBL website to ensure they are involved.”
Preserving a legacy
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the RBL, highlighted the importance of these commemorations:
“These 80th anniversaries are likely to be among the last opportunities to come together as a nation with Second World War veterans to honour their bravery and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Everyone in modern Britain has a connection to those who experienced the War, whether through family or community. It’s vital we mark these anniversaries with commemorations in communities across the UK and with national moments of gratitude.”
Rawlinson also emphasised the importance of sharing veterans’ experiences:
“We are inviting all Second World War veterans to register so their contributions, including ‘forgotten stories,’ can be shared and remembered. Their service shaped the world we live in today.”
Honouring contributions from all walks of life
The RBL invites registration from British and Commonwealth Armed Forces veterans and those who supported the war effort, such as munitions workers, Bevin Boys, and individuals from reservist occupations or the Special Operations Executive. Registrants will receive updates on commemorative plans and invitations to events.
A time for reflection
While VE Day 80 will reflect the celebratory street parties marking victory in Europe, VJ Day 80 will honour the conclusion of six years of global conflict.
The RBL, working with the Government and other stakeholders, is developing educational resources and community projects to ensure younger generations understand the legacy of the Second World War.
For more information and to register, visit the Royal British Legion’s website.
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