News
Award nomination for Coastal Forum
PEMBROKESHIRE Coastal Forum (PCF) is in the running to land an EU award for its partnership approach to minimising disturbance in Pembrokeshire’s European Marine Sites.
A team of independent experts from across Europe have considered the collaborative work by PCF and its partners in developing groundbreaking projects including the Outdoor Charter and Marine Code.
David Jones, CEO of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, commenting on the news:
“It is great to hear that even on an EU level the things we do here in Pembrokeshire are valued. These projects have been developed in collaboration over the last 10 years and are still playing a key role in protecting our seas and coast. Without stakeholder engagement and involvement from a wide range of partners they would not have such a positive impact.
“We are one of only 4 projects to be shortlisted in the UK, the only one in Wales, and we also have an opportunity to win the European Citizens’ Award. This is totally dependent on a public vote so if you can, please take two minutes and help us by voting online.”
Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer, added: “The work of the Marine Code and Outdoor Charter in Pembrokeshire has combined the needs of wildlife with those of users and activity providers to come up with ways to minimise impacts to the environment. The work has been a great way of raising awareness of the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC with recreational users.”
Every day, thousands of Europeans invest time, energy and knowledge in protecting nature.
The European Commission is again recognising these achievements through the Natura 2000 Awards for outstanding services in management and conservation of the EU’s network of protected areas.
Twenty-four finalists have now been selected from the 83 applications by an expert team of evaluators. They include projects from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Latvia, Romania, and the United Kingdom.
The Awards, now in their third year, are intended to raise awareness about the Natura 2000 network, highlighting its successes and demonstrating the role it plays in protecting nature and promoting social and economic wellbeing.
Reacting to the announcement, Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said: “These awards are a great advert for an outstanding network. I am delighted to see so many innovative activities being showcased, with such indisputable benefits for citizens and for nature. If you love nature, have a look at the lists – your vote will help give these remarkable projects the recognition they deserve.”
The finalists in five categories – Conservation, Socio-Economic Benefits, Communication, Reconciling Interests/Perceptions, and Networking and Cross-Border Cooperation – will now be assessed by an independent jury. Citizens too are invited to vote for their favourite shortlisted initiative to win the European Citizens’ Award. Online voting closes on May 8, 2016. The winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by Commissioner Vella in Brussels on Monday, May 23, 2016.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Chief Executive, Tegryn Jones said: “Natura sites not only play a huge role in conservation but also in attracting visitors to Pembrokeshire, where the islands and coast are important in terms of wildlife watching and enjoyment. We have worked with PCF and partners in supporting these projects for over a decade and welcome the news that our work has been noticed by the Commission.”
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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