News

Parking trial at Freshwater West to keep campers away

Published

7 years ago

May 7, 2019

YELLOW lines and overnight parking fines are just some of the measures to be introduced at Freshwater West this summer in a bid to deal with soaring visitor numbers at the Pembrokeshire beach.

In figures provided by the RNLI, the numbers of sunseekers and surfers heading west has increased year on year, with more than 32,000 visitors alone during the summer period in 2018.

Once a haven for skilled surfers, Freshwater West has become famous around the world as the set for blockbuster movies and is one of the prized coastal locations in Pembrokeshire that is relatively unspoilt.

To deal with increasing visitors, camp-fires in the dunes and traffic concerns due to the numbers of camper vans parking along the narrow access route, local organisations including the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Pembrokeshire County Council, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the National Trust have been consulting with the community over steps to make getting to and from the beach safer.

Marc Tierney, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire attended the consultation event in Castlemartin earlier this week, he said:

“From a tourism perspective, the success of Freshwater West is a real achievement for Pembrokeshire. But added visitor numbers without adequate infrastructure is causing difficulties for traffic and impacting on the local environment. Nearby residents attending the drop-in session raised concerns about camp-fires and camper vans parking overnight.

“In response, Pembrokeshire County Council and the National Trust will tighten up parking restrictions as a trial arrangement this summer, that means more double yellow lines along the road and other parking restrictions at the car parks with enforcement officers ready to hand out £100 fines to those caught flouting the new rules.”

“I was pleased to hear that there will be continued consultation with visitors over the summer months, it is important we balance the needs of local residents with visitors and to ensure that we think creatively about protecting our environment whilst also supporting our economy.”

The news comes as The National Trust needs to do more to protect a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Pendine from illegal campers as well.

Despite a locked barrier and a traffic ban, a number of caravans spent Easter weekend at Morfa Bychan.
“It was very sad to see a large number of people setting up camp at the cove, rubbish left behind, excrement in the bushes and a quad bike driven over the fragile ecosystem,” said Simon Hart MP.

Mr Hart has been working with a number of different organisations to try to solve the problem of fly camping and littering at the beauty spot.

The land is owned by the National Trust, but a lane down to the beach is classified by Carmarthenshire County Council as a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) which Welsh Water uses daily to access a pumping station.
“I appreciate that the National Trust and Carmarthenshire County Council have taken some steps to try to prevent this from happening but it’s had very little effect so far,” added Mr Hart.
“There is a couple of National Trust Coastodians who have been litter picking and monitoring the site for months and have done a wonderful job, it must be heartbreaking for them to see the site abused like this.
“I appreciate that the National Trust does not have bottomless pockets but it owns this special site and has a duty of care to protect it.
“Perhaps they could look at installing a lot more boulders to make access difficult for campers. Or even motion sensitive cameras to capture those who are damaging their gates?”

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

6 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

8 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

12 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.