News

Safety training for fishermen

Published

7 years ago

April 4, 2019

SEAFISH, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, has announced two new approved offshore training providers in Wales, bringing the number of training providers in the region up to three. They provide a range of safety and skills course for commercial fishermen, with funding secured by Seafish, making many of the courses free for fishermen.

The approved training provider (ATPs) in our area is the Welsh Fishermen’s Association. The WFA has also been approved and the Association’s Safety and Training Officer and approved instructor, Trevor Jones, is currently delivering courses for Coleg Llandrillo while WFA gets up to speed.

The endorsement of these new training providers means that there will be more opportunities for commercial fishermen in Wales to access mandatory training and take advantage of additional voluntary training. Seafish has secured funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) with additional funding provided by the Welsh Government and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

This funding allows new entrants and experienced fishermen who are fully compliant with basic safety training requirements to undertake a wide range of courses free of charge.

The funding is allocated on a first-come-first serve basis and must be distributed before the deadline of 30 September 2019, so fishermen are encouraged to book now to avoid missing out.

Lee Haigh, Wales Fishing Safety Officer said: “Improving fishing industry safety is a key part of Seafish Wales Priority work, so we’re very pleased at the announcement of two additional Seafish Approved Training Providers within Wales. The increase in local training provision will enable more Welsh commercial fishermen to access important training opportunities and we strongly urge them to take advantage of the latest round of funding and book free places while they are available.”

Andy White of Coleg Llandrillo said: “The approval of two new training providers in Wales is very welcome as it creates a robust training network across the country. With a recent increase in demand, there has never been a better time to get in touch and take advantage of the full range of training opportunities we offer.”

Ian Spice of Sea Sense Surveying said: “Sea Sense Surveying Ltd is extremely pleased to have been appointed as one of the new Seafish Approved Training Providers in Wales. No matter what stage of their career they are at, fishermen deserve access to the best possible training so that they have the skills and knowledge to work safely and come back home safe.

It is our mission to provide this training for fishermen when and where they need it with our experienced instructors, delivering quality courses in engaging environments. We strongly urge that all fishermen review their training to ensure they have all five of the required mandatory courses and talk to us if they are unsure. For those that have, now is the time to check for eligibility for funding to undertake refresher training to update those all-important skills and knowledge.”

To find out more call 01472 252302.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.