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Businesses impacted by Omicron urged to apply for cash soon

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ELIGIBLE businesses in Wales that have been impacted by the rapid spread of Omicron are being urged to apply to their local council for financial support.

Two grants are being administered by councils on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Retail, hospitality, leisure, and tourism businesses in Wales can be considered for a payment of £2,000, £4,000 or £6,000 depending on their rateable value.

Registration opened on 13 January 2022 for this Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) linked grant. The fund will be open until Monday, 14 February 2022.

A discretionary fund is also being administered by Flintshire council to support supply chain businesses to the four affected sectors.

The fund can provide £1,000 to eligible sole traders and freelancers and £2,000 to eligible employing businesses that have been financially impacted by the restrictions to the business sectors that they supply.

Applications to the discretionary fund can be made until Monday, 14 February 2022.

The financial support and business grant follows the announcement from the Economy Minister Vaughan Gething that £120 million would be available for retail, hospitality, leisure, and tourism business in Wales affected by latest restrictions and their supply chains in Wales.

Councillor Rob Stewart, Welsh Local Government Association Economic Development, Inward Investment and Energy spokesperson said:

“Throughout the pandemic, local authorities have worked hard to support businesses who have been hit by the great difficulties posed by the pandemic. We welcome the latest £120 million package by Welsh Government, which will help to ease the pressure on Welsh businesses.

“We urge any eligible businesses to visit their local authority’s website for more details, and to apply for funding before applications close.”

If you are interested in applying for the above grants, please check your local authority website for more details. Businesses can also access the Local Authority funds via the Business Wales website COVID-19 Support for Business.

 

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

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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.”

 

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Crime

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

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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.

 

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Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

 

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