News

Anti-social behaviour and vandalism ‘a continuing problem’ in Milford Haven

Published

4 years ago

February 1, 2022

MILFORD HAVEN residents, fed up with antisocial behaviour, vandalism, properties being targeted, and cars being damaged in the town have put pressure on the police to act.

After multiple calls, this week Dyfed-Powys Police sent letters to residents on affected street stating that the force was investigating “a number of incidents”, all taking place in recent weeks.

The police confirmed that “a number of properties were targeted with youths knocking on doors, windows and kicking doors resulting in damage.”

The police added that these youths had “thrown eggs at properties”

This has resulted in “a number of crimes being recorded” and “investigations to identify the youths responsible.”

Police said that the impact that this is having on the lives of Milford Haven residents is significant and will not be tolerated. They added: “Milford Haven Police remain committed to dealing with anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and the safeguarding of our communities.”

Commenting on the continuing problem on social media, Joshua Stephens said that installing and upgrading the CCTV camera by the ‘Nisa’ shop on Cromwell Road might be a start. He said: “A lot of these “youths” have been targeting properties up this area for a while now.”

A fed-up local resident, Anthony Dyson, who said he was threatened with violence after sternly telling the “youths” to move on after they had “thrown a rock through a four-year-old child’s bedroom window”, put on social media: “I’ve phoned DPP several times now and just get the same old crap “The investigating officer isn’t here right now; I’ll get him them to call you back” and then nothing.

“I’ve even told them I’ve been given three names of the lads. If they don’t get in touch soon because I’m not doing the work for them and ringing them every day, if they don’t call me back soon, I WILL post these three names on Facebook for everyone to see.”

Another Milfordian, Susan Smith commented: “So where are the cameras Around the streets?

“There appears to be a heavy reliance upon residents and motorists to record and submit our own footage nowadays.

“The racing/dangerous driving as well as the anti-social behaviour being routinely displayed just demonstrates the utter lack of respect in existence.

“There needs to be a much harder line exercised.

“You can’t engage with those who behave in this way already. It should start at a young age, so people grow up understanding what is and isn’t acceptable.

“Our rates pay for public services and so I think the majority of us have an expectation that we will be “protected” from adverse and damaging behaviours.

“People need to report, obtain an incident number as an audit trial and to follow up to ensure that cases are investigated correctly and in timely manner.

“Too many people complain but lack confidence in the police to do anything about it or take seriously sadly. Some officers need refresher training on how their salaries are funded, I think.”

On December 17, a garage door on Robert Street was damaged at approximately midnight on December 17, to December 18. The garage door is beyond repair and cost £2,000 to replace.

Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Two people were seen in dark clothing walking away from the scene, down Robert Street towards Mansfield Street.

In September 2021, vandals struck St David’s Church in Hubberston, Milford Haven. Stained glass windows and the graveyard and graves themselves were desecrated. Over time, broken glass, litter, and cans, as well as condoms, sanitary towels, signs of drug use and human excrement have had to be cleared away by the ageing congregation at the church. One churchgoer said at the time that part of the churchyard is having to be cleared of debris on an almost daily basis.

People living in the neighbouring area said they also felt threatened and experienced damage to their own property by the anti-social behaviour of people spending their time at the churchyard.

This included the nearby Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre and its memorial gardens, which was then undergoing refurbishments following its investment after the threat of closure.

Another example was two months before this. At approximately 7pm on Aug 20 last year, a window was put through in Charles Street, before the cars had damage to their wing mirrors in Pill Lane.

In 2020, police in Milford Haven carried out targeted foot patrols in the town in response to anti-social behaviour issues. An appeal for information was put out after eggs were thrown at a moving car by ‘The Arches’ on Milford Marina. Police said that a crash had been avoided and that they were looking at CCTV footage. They said that several young people were spoken to with a positive impact. The previous month, Milford Haven Port Authority had issued a press release titled: “Port issues warning about tombstoning and anti-social behaviour at Milford Marina”.

Anna Malloy, Communications Manager said: ““We are able, under our byelaws, to issue fines and banning notices to anyone caught breaking the clear rules we have in place around Milford Marina and Docks. The rules are there for everyone’s safety and to enable the majority of people to come and enjoy the fantastic environment we are so lucky to have.””

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

5 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

5 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.