News

High risks identified at Mill Pond

Published

9 years ago

February 28, 2017

Tom Sinclair

A NUMBER of ‘High Risks’ have been identified at Pembroke’s Mill Pond, after three people drowned in the pond in 2015.

That is despite Pembrokeshire County Council’s own assessment which describes them as ‘low risks’.

The charity, Carmarthenshire Water Safety Partnership, commissioned a report on behalf of the family of Robert Mansfield who sadly died in the Mill Pond, also known as the Castle Pond.

57 year old Robert Lyall and 52 year old Wayne Anthony Young also died after falling in the pond in separate incidents.

Pembrokeshire County Council owns the land surrounding the pond and its own assessment was presented to coroner Mark Layton at the inquest into the death of Mr Mansfield.

During the inquest, Mr Layton said he was concerned about the Council’s assessment and that there was a need to consider fencing and warning signs.

The report, which has been done Dr Cliff Nelson of the national drowning prevention charity the Royal Lifesaving Society, has found a number of high risks which are described as ‘not acceptable’.

Those include slipping and falling, and the depth and temperature of the water.

Outcomes of the risks are drowning, hypothermia, limb injury, and illness through water-borne pollution.

While the report states that the risk of falling into the pond is ‘generally low’ it goes on to say that there are a number of ‘pinch points’ where the path runs close to the edge of the river bank.

Dr Nelson adds that the path is in need of improvement and that railings and improved lighting around the pond should be considered.

The charity was set up in memory of Cameron Comey, from Carmarthen, who has not been found since he fell into the River Towy two years ago.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Council has always taken these matters very seriously and has formerly responded to the Pembrokeshire Coroner at the time and, since then, Carmarthenshire Water Safety Partnership.

“We have also previously undertaken a review of the walkway around the Castle. The public footpath is inspected regularly and is considered to meet the intervention levels set for maintenance purposes.

“Nevertheless, in dialogue with the Carmarthenshire Water Safety Partnership last summer, we acknowledged they may well wish to undertake an independent review and noted that we would be happy to review such a study.

“In the earlier communication with the Partnership, the Council fed back on both the Castle and Mill Ponds, noting – in particular in relation to the Castle Pond – the mixed ownership issues, with not all land being under the Authority’s control.

“The Council was saddened to learn of the incidents on the ponds and in our formal response to the Pembrokeshire Coroner (following Mr Mansfield’s inquest) we undertook to review safety.

“We also re-provided flotation devices – which had been removed on a number of occasions – and erected signs at various points around the Castle Pond advising against swimming due to the poor water quality.

“There is already lighting on the footpath below the Castle and the installations were considered generally adequate.

“There is a mixture of old and new lighting columns and lanterns which might benefit from upgrading to ensure consistent lighting.

“The Partnership’s report acknowledges that the risk of falling into the water around Castle Pond is ‘generally low’ although there are a number of pinch points on the Castle side of the pond where the path runs close to the riverbank.

“Now that the report has been issued, the Council is happy to review the Partnership feedback and continue to explore appropriate enhancements and improvements.”

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

10 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

10 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

10 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.