News

All aboard the walking bus to Neyland Community School

Published

4 years ago

November 17, 2021

PUPILS, teachers and parents at Neyland Community School are starting and finishing the day with a healthy walk – and helping to reduce traffic congestion at the same time.

With help from Pembrokeshire County Council, Neyland Community School has recently set up a Walking Bus – a safe, fun and environmentally friendly way for pupils to travel to and from school.

Like a regular bus, the Walking Bus follows a set route and collects ‘passengers’ along the way to walk to school together.

Supervised by teachers and supported volunteers who have received DBS checks and training, the Walking Bus is easy to spot with pupil passengers in yellow hi-vis vests and ‘drivers’ wearing orange versions.

Neyland Community School Headteacher Clare Hewitt said the Walking Bus has provided a sociable and healthy start and finish to the day for everyone involved and helped reduce vehicle numbers around the school at traditionally busy times.

Mrs Hewitt added: “The Walking Bus has been brilliant and I can honestly say, it’s a highlight of my day.

“The children love to walk with the staff, chatting about their day and enjoying each other’s company – we all arrive to school and at home with big smiles.

“It has also been a fantastic opportunity to talk to the children about road safety, and they are already very good at recognising how to do this safely.”

The feedback has also been very positive from the pupil passengers.

One said: “The walking bus is amazing. I like spending time walking and talking to new friends and different teachers.”

Another added: “It is so special to me. I love walking with my Headteacher and my friends.”

Parents have also been enthusiastic about the Walking Bus.

“The kids are loving it,” said one. “It puts us at ease knowing they are safe.”

Another added: “My child is so happy on the walking bus. It also helps her to learn the route for when she’s able to walk home on her own.”

Neyland Community School’s Walking Bus has been operating on a pilot basis with hopes to expand in the future.

Mrs Hewitt added: “We really hope to be able to roll this out in other areas in Neyland with the support of volunteers from families and/or the community.”

If you would like more information about setting up a Walking Bus contact Jenny Turner via email on [email protected]

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

1 hour 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

1 hour 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.