News
Pembrokeshire County Council leaders coronavirus update, 12th May
Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Councillor David Simpson,
has provided a further coronavirus update for Tuesday, 12th May, as
follows
‘As we in Wales and Pembrokeshire continue in lockdown, I want to
reassure you all that we will get through this difficult period in our
lives.
‘I am aware that this extended lockdown is challenging however we
need to remember that our principle goal is preservation of life.
‘We all have a role to play to ensure that we continue to fight this
invisible enemy. The pandemic is cruel and it is taking lives and we
are also aware that anyone could catch this virus.
‘I want to extend my sympathy to anyone who has been directly
affected by this virus or knows someone who has unfortunately lost
their life.
‘I’d like to reiterate the Welsh Government’s latest key messages,
namely:
the coronavirus lockdown in Wales will be extended for a
further three weeks with minor adjustments but with maximum
caution maintained to ensure the virus does not spread
while the first peak of infection has been passed and rates
continue to fall, it is still too early for a significant lifting of
requirements or restrictions
all of us must continue to work from home wherever we ca
all of us must only travel when absolutely necessary
and all of us must continue to observe the two-metre social
distancing rule and wash our hands often
‘These measures will continue to protect us all from coronavirus and
save lives.
‘The Welsh Government also made a series of small adjustments to
the regulations including:
allowing people to exercise more than once a day, but people
should stay “local”. This means any exercise should start and
end at home and not involve going a significant distance from
home
enabling local authorities to begin the process of planning how
to safely re-open libraries and municipal recycling centres
allowing garden centres to open provided they comply with the
physical distancing duty.
‘These changes apply to everyone but the 120,000 people in the
shielding group. It is really important this group continues to follow the
shielding advice.
‘The Welsh Government also urges people who are over 70, who
have an underlying health condition or who are pregnant, to continue
to take extra care to protect themselves.
‘I want to thank everyone for the positive feedback you have offered
to myself, Elected Members and the Authority itself. Everyone across
our county is working hard to ensure we do the right thing – that is we
stay at home and stay safe.
‘I urge you all to keep strong and keep positive. There will be better
days ahead and we need to be patient.
‘The following coronavirus-related press releases have been issued
since my last update yesterday:
Capital Funding:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/cabinet-to-
consider-project-capital-funding
Parents Asked For Views:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/parents-asked-
for-their-views-on-education-related-matters
Unpaid Carers Urged To Take Part In Survey:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/unpaid-carers-
urged-to-take-part-in-survey-to-shape-future-support
Numbers Helped by Community Hub Rise:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/number-of-
people-helped-by-community-hub-continues-to-rise
Libraries To Remain Closed For Now:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/libraries-to-
remain-closed-for-now
‘Public Health Wales is updating and adding to their resources
regularly. Please find all assets here:
https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-
covid-19/coronavirus-resources/
‘Also, please keep an eye on our newsroom at:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom
‘And to get daily email updates, log onto our website and sign into My
Account at: https://myaccount.pembrokeshire.gov.uk
‘Don’t risk catching or spreading the virus, why risk it? Remember:
Stay Strong, Stay Safe and Stay at Home. Thank you.’
Useful links:
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
www.sir-benfro.gov.uk/coronafeirws
https://phw.nhs.wales/
Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru – Coronafeirws Newydd (COVID-19)
– Cyngor hunan-ynysu
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-
19-list-of-guidance
For the latest advice and press releases relating to coronavirus,
Crime
Police appeal for information after several tractors stolen
POLICE officers in Pembrokeshire investigating a theft from several tractors, which happened overnight between April 17-18, 2024.
The tractors had been in a field near to Loch Turfin, Haverfordwest.
Included in the stolen items were vehicle keys, tools and waterproof clothing.
A spokesperson said “Police are now appealing for anyone with information that could help them with their investigation to contact PC 772 Boyt either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101.
“Quote reference: 24*355571”
Community
Pembrokeshire firefighters help deliver fire engines to Ukraine
FIRE services from across the United Kingdom have rallied together to donate vital firefighting equipment to Ukraine, amidst ongoing conflicts that have seen local fire stations and firefighters come under direct attack.
The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) was at the forefront of this international goodwill effort, donating three fire appliances and dispatching nine of their personnel to ensure safe delivery.
The initiative, coordinated by Fire Aid UK, involved a total of 11 UK fire services. Over a grueling 5.5-day journey that spanned several countries—starting from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and moving through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and into Poland—33 fire appliances were transported to a location just 20 miles from the Ukraine border. They left Kent on April 23.
This convoy, laden with not just fire engines but also 3000 items of critical firefighting gear including cutting equipment, fire hoses, first aid kits, and generators, was a sight of resilience and humanitarian commitment. Watch Manager Rob MakePeace, a Business Fire Safety Officer, and Watch Manager Keith Jenkins, who is retired but still oversees part-time personnel at Haverfordwest, played pivotal roles in the operation from Pembrokeshire.
Speaking on the experience, Keith Jenkins expressed the profound impact of the mission, “It was a fantastic experience to be involved in. The convoy itself was an amazing sight, but the people we met, places we stayed and the reason we were delivering the appliances was something we will remember for a long time.”
The donation comes at a critical time for Ukraine, where daily attacks have not only jeopardized the lives of local firefighters but have also devastated much of the essential infrastructure needed to fight fires effectively. The additional appliances and equipment from the UK are expected to significantly bolster the capabilities of the Ukrainian fire departments, providing them with the necessary tools to save lives and protect property under dire circumstances.
This act of generosity and the strenuous efforts by the UK firefighters underscore a deep commitment to aiding those in peril, transcending borders and showcasing the best of international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
News
Protest outside Stephen Crabb’s office over Rwanda deportations
SUPPORTERS of West Wales Stand Up to Racism group will attend a protest outside the office of Stephen Crabb MP in Market Street at 6pm on Tuesday evening (May 7).
The protest is to highlight the inhumane scheme to send refugees to Rwanda.
Since the Rwanda Bill was finally passed last week, refugees have already been identified, detained and are being prepared to be flown to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed there.
Rushi Sunak has said “To detain people while we prepare to remove them, we’ve increased detention spaces to 2,200.
“To quickly process claims, we’ve got 200 trained, dedicated caseworkers ready and waiting. To deal with any legal cases quickly and decisively, the judiciary has made available 25 courtrooms and identified 150 judges who could provide over 5,000 sitting days.”
The protestors are asking: why is all this money being spent when these vulnerable people could have their asylum claims dealt with in the UK?
If the Prime Minister hoped his Rwanda plan would help get more votes for the Conservative Party in the recent elections, it would appear he was mistaken.
A new report from the Refugee Council warns that the UK Government’s flagship Illegal Migration Act and Rwanda Plan will lead to another catastrophic “system meltdown”, trapping over 100,000 people in permanent limbo while costing taxpayers billions.
West Wales Stand Up to Racism has campaigned against the Government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda from the time this scheme was first suggested.
Supporters have previously met with Simon Hart MP and attempted to deliver a giant postcard to his office.
The group has taken part in the online Hands in Protest project organised by Artisan Avenue, Tenby which allowed everyone to express on line how they felt about Rwanda by submitting drawings of their own hands. The collective Hands In Protest gives a powerful message that the Rwanda plan should be stopped.
The organisers said: “Supporters will be once more taking the giant postcard on Tuesday, to protest about the Rwanda scheme. We will have small post cards for supporters to write messages to Stephen Crabb, telling him how strongly we feel about this.
“All over the UK, anti-racists are picketing Home Office buildings to show their opposition to the Rwanda scheme and are trying to prevent arrests and giving support to the refugees being arrested and detained.
“West Wales Stand Up to Racism supporters want to make their voices heard too.”
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