News

Explosions rock Wiston

Published

12 years ago

April 12, 2014

A TEENAGER from Wiston, who has been described as “desperate to join the Army” may have lost both of his hands, but is in a stable condition, after an explosion rocked his parent’s home on Thursday morning.

Jordan Smith, age 19, was seriously injured in the blast, and was airlifted to Morriston hospital by the Wales Air Ambulance at an incident which took place at around 11am. He had just completed an army preparation course at Pembrokeshire College, and was known for enjoying dressing up in camouflage gear.

Bomb disposal experts were on standby, and police cordoned the road between Wiston and Crundale. Around four neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Neighbours told The Herald that Jordan Smith had joined the Army last year but had not got through his course because he “Wasn’t focused properly on his training”.

Mr Bernie Jones, 67, said: “There was some sort of an explosion and it looks like Jordan has suffered bad hand injuries. Police threw a cordon up around the entire village and the bomb squad moved in. Jordan was interested in the Army and had wanted to join up since he was a young boy. The Army is definitely his orientation. He was very keen and and hoped to be accepted.”

The Smith family moved to Pembrokeshire six years ago from Stoke-on-Trent. They converted the old farm buildings into two new homes called Potters Barn, after The Potteries, a nick name for their home town.

He lived at one of he converted barns with his parents Anthony and Rita Smith, who until recently were directors of a cleaning company.

Local resident Fiona Morgan, said: “Neighbours said there was an almighty bang and a bad smell. There’s been a lot of police and sniffer dogs.”

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman told The Herald: “Dyfed-Powys Police are continuing to investigate an incident that occurred in Wiston, Pembrokeshire yesterday – where a man sustained a non life threatening injury. He remains in hospital in a stable condition. The incident occurred in a field on the property. Searches of the land and associated buildings continue, and some bird scaring equipment has been seized from the premises. The 19 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of an explosive related offence. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this matter.”

Blast scene: The Potteries, Wiston, Pembrokeshire

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

4 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

5 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

6 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.