Spring appeal launched to rehome 180 birds by Friday deadline

AN URGENT appeal has been launched to find homes for 180 ex-commercial laying hens in Boncath before next weekend, with campaigners warning the birds may otherwise face slaughter.

The British Hen Welfare Trust is holding a rehoming event in Boncath on Saturday (Apr 11), but says kind-hearted adopters must register by 2:00pm on Friday (Apr 10) if the hens are to be given a second chance.

The charity says the birds, all around 18 months old, have reached the end of their commercial laying lives, despite still having plenty to offer as pets.

Supporters say hens are friendly, curious and easy to care for, and can continue to provide eggs while enjoying retirement in a garden or smallholding setting.

Andy Hill, of the British Hen Welfare Trust said: “People are often surprised by how much joy hens bring. They’re funny, curious little characters, they love routine, and they’re genuinely a delight to care for. Plus, they’re still more than happy to pop out the occasional egg.

“With spring finally here, this is the ideal time to start. These girls are more than ready for a fresh beginning, and they really do make wonderful pets.”

The trust says anyone willing to adopt must be able to provide food, water, shelter, security and a little care and attention.

The charity, founded in 2005, says it has now found retirement homes for more than one million ex-commercial hens across the UK, all of which would otherwise have been destined for slaughter.

People interested in adopting can visit the British Hen Welfare Trust website and select the Boncath rehoming event, or call the rehoming team on 01884 860084.

Home Office says national target was met early as ministers link extra patrols to arrests and anti-social behaviour crackdown

THE UK GOVERNMENT says there are now 200 more neighbourhood police officers on the beat in Wales than there were a year ago, as ministers push a wider drive to increase visible policing in communities.

The claim was made as the Home Office announced it had met its target of putting more than 3,000 additional police officers and Police Community Support Officers into neighbourhood roles across England and Wales, two months ahead of schedule.

According to figures released on Tuesday (Apr 7), a total of 3,123 extra neighbourhood policing staff have either been recruited or redeployed since April last year, with the government saying they are now focused on tackling local crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Wales Secretary, Jo Stevens said: “There are now 200 more neighbourhood police officers on the beat in Wales than a year ago, fighting the crime and anti-social behaviour that can have a huge impact on communities.

“It is a central mission of the UK Government that people feel safe in their neighbourhoods and the increased police presence is already delivering results and leading to more arrests across the country.”

Ministers say the extra officers form part of a longer-term plan to roll out 13,000 additional neighbourhood policing personnel by the end of this parliament.

The Home Office said a recent Winter of Action campaign, carried out during December and January in more than 600 towns and cities, led to almost 18,000 arrests as police patrols were stepped up.

Of those arrests, the government said more than 5,000 were linked to retail crime, more than 1,000 to sexual offences, almost 1,000 to street crime, and over 10,000 to violent assault.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said neighbourhood policing had been “hollowed out” in recent years and that too many officers had been kept in desk-based support roles rather than deployed on the streets.

She said: “We’re delivering the biggest reforms to policing in over 200 years and, crucially, putting 13,000 more neighbourhood officers where they belong – on the beat and fighting crime in our communities.”

The Home Office also pointed to what it described as early successes in several police force areas, including South Wales Police, which it said had reported a 37 per cent drop in home burglaries and a 14 per cent fall in anti-social behaviour.

The announcement also comes as the government launches a new strategy aimed at halving knife crime within a decade.

Under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, ministers say every neighbourhood in England and Wales will have named, contactable officers, with residents promised a meaningful response to local concerns within 72 hours.

All police forces have also now published anti-social behaviour action plans setting out how they intend to tackle persistent local problems.

John Hayward-Cripps, chief executive of the Neighbourhood Watch Network, welcomed the increase and said stronger local relationships would help build confidence and improve the flow of intelligence from communities.

Harvinder Saimbhi, chief executive of ASB Help, said the extra officers should help reassure victims that their concerns are being taken seriously.

The government says the expansion of neighbourhood policing marks a major step towards reversing years of decline in visible local policing, though the longer-term impact on crime levels will be closely watched.

TRIBUTES have been paid to Johnny Morris, a much-loved Fishguard photographer who has died at the age of 91.

For decades, Johnny was a familiar figure across north Pembrokeshire, capturing community life through his camera lens for the local press, as well as for countless local groups, charities and organisations.

He was widely regarded as the go-to photographer for Fishguard and the surrounding area, with an extensive archive of images documenting local people, events and history over many years.

As well as his photography, Johnny was known for his love of gardening, his knowledge of local history and his gift for telling stories. Friends said he was often happiest in his garden, where he won several local trophies for his growing skills.

Johnny died peacefully on Sunday, March 22, at Park House Court in Tenby. He was predeceased by his wife Irene. He is survived by his daughter Joy, son-in-law Dilwyn, and his brother Derek.

Former Western Telegraph reporter Anwen Baldwin paid tribute, describing him as a lovely man and a great photographer.

She said: “He knew so much about the local area, its people, events and history.

“He had a great sense of humour and I loved hearing his stories about Fishguard past and present, although not all of them were for publication.

“He had a huge archive of pictures documenting the area over the years, and if I ever needed an image for a story, he would have it, no matter how obscure the request.

“He took me under his wing when I first started as the Western Telegraph’s north Pembrokeshire reporter and became a good friend who I always looked forward to catching up with.

“He will be greatly missed by the local community and the many reporters and editors who were always pleased to see a picture from Johnny Morris on their pages.”

Fishguard RNLI said Johnny had played an important role in recording the life of the station over many years. In a mark of respect, the flag at the lifeboat station has been lowered to half-mast.

A spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of local photographer and supporter of Fishguard RNLI, Johnny Morris.

“As the station’s photographer Johnny documented a vast array of station life, from crew photos and station fundraising events, to the arrival of our current D-Class inshore lifeboat, as well as countless other community events.

“As a mark of respect, the flag over the station will continue to be flown at half-mast.”

Fishguard and District Round Table also paid tribute, describing Johnny as a local photography legend and a strong supporter of community events and charities.

The group said he had always been on hand to record important milestones in the town.

Long-standing member Gwil Evans added: “He had a brilliant knack of being able to make even the worst of us look like a million bucks.”

Johnny’s funeral will take place on Friday, April 10, at 11:30am at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, followed by interment at Hermon Cemetery.

Family flowers only are requested. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made payable to Fishguard Lifeboat, care of Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard.