News

Police commissioner puts more bobbies on the beat

Published

12 years ago

July 29, 2014

THE HERALD spoke exclusively with the Police Commissioner for Dyfed Powys Police Force, Christopher Salmon. We asked him a number of questions that the public had forwarded to us, including what value he placed on his role:

“Every day I bring rigorous scrutiny to the spending of public money that amounts to around £100m every year. I also offer 24/7 opportunities for the public to tell the Chief Constable through me what they want from the police who get the majority of that money. “Another important practice my office has brought to the criminal justice system is that of new thinking on behalf of the public. Without us, for instance, there would be no innovation such as our forthcoming mental health triage service. A partnership between Dyfed-Powys Police, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Powys Teaching Health Board and the Welsh Ambulance Service, means the units should be operational by this autumn.”A key area, according to the remit of the Police Commissioner’s role, is that of holding the Police Force to account. Mr Salmon explained how he was performing this task. “Every week I meet the Chief Constable formally. This is an opportunity for him to get my views on what the public want and for me to scrutinise the activities of the police. My new Residents” Panel is just one good example of how I’m positively influencing Dyfed-Powys Police. This is a team of volunteers I’ve recruited to independently scrutinise the police complaints process. With an inquiring and analytical approach, they study public complaint files and recommend improvements to the force’s processes. “The people of Pembrokeshire must trust the police, and one way of building that trust is for the public themselves to scrutinise the complaints process. One of my priorities is professionalism and that extends to the recruitment process. Dyfed-Powys Police is going through a workforce restructuring process right now and the Chief Constable, who employs that workforce, very much wants the right people with the right skills in the right jobs. “I encourage all good people with a professional, public-focused outlook to consider joining the force as an officer, PCSO or member of the civilian support staff. We also have some superb volunteer opportunities, including for Special Constable posts. This web page is a good read http:// www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/jointhe- police/police-staff.” Many Pembrokeshire residents, particularly parents, are very concerned about the alarming issue of legal highs, an area in which the Commissioner had a clear message. “I urge parents and pupils to find out more about substance misuse on this website – www.schoolbeat.org. New legal highs frequently contain substances that are not legal and canít be assumed safe. These substances have not been properly tested for toxicity so there is no way of telling how it will affect you. “I am well aware that in May a number of pupils were treated at Pembroke School after a reaction to a psychoactive substance. That was potentially dangerous to those involved and disturbing for their families. Police officers visited the school to provide advice, support and reassurance. If you’re concerned about any substance please make the police aware of your worries.” The Herald wanted to know the importance of crime statistics, and as to whether Christopher Salmon believed these to be significant in the fight against crime. “The important thing about us creating 30 new police officers posts around Dyfed-Powys is not statistics but confidence. The public constantly tell me they want more bobbies on the beat so thatís what I’ve given them. Right now a great deal simply isnít brought to the forceís attention for a number of reasons. Dyfed-Powys remains a low-crime region and, although crime fighting shouldnít be driven by statistics, I do hope the public take some comfort in the figures as they stand. “I also hope that police officers, who do a difficult job, are encouraged. My strategy is to not set targets but to raise confidence levels in our communities. I want to keep communities safe from crime, to protect vulnerable people and to bring people to justice. In Dyfed-Powys there are more bobbies on the beat for a start and the policy at police stations these days is: “When we’re in, we’re open!” Whilst I want officers out and about in local communities, some people still visit them in our stations. I want the public to be more aware than ever of how they can meet or speak to police officers. “You can access the police easily – in person at local meetings or briefings or by visiting a station, or by calling 101 and asking to speak to the local neighbourhood team. You can also find your nearest police station and news of officer activity on the force’s smartphone app. I have high hopes of two new services which I’ve just commissioned. Welsh business Gr’p Gwalia has won a contract to reduce antisocial behaviour across Dyfed- Powys and the charity Hafan Cymru has won a contract to reduce youth offending here. Gwalia will identify and manage risk to people who have experienced antisocial behaviour. “Hafan, with a close focus on substance misuse and domestic abuse, will work with youths who are either at risk of offending or have already done so. With substance misuse and domestic abuse often being factors in the lives of such individuals, Hafan’s project will address such issues. “I also urge Herald readers to take my latest quick-fire survey which lets me know how theywould like minor misdemeanours to be punished. Simply go to www.bit.ly/ DPCRsurvey , phone 01267 226457 or request a form by writing to OPCC, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, SA31 2PF. The survey closes on July 18”. Finally we asked what were his priorities over the rest of his term, to which he responded: “My priorities remain the same as they have done since I was elected by the people of Dyfed-Powys preventing and dealing with crime; protecting vulnerable people; bringing people to justice; enhancing access to the police; ensuring high standards of professionalism and; spending wisely.”

Business

Farmers cautious but resilient as costs remain high across Wales

Published

13 hours ago

February 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Major supplier says confidence lower despite signs of stability returning

FARMERS across Wales are facing another difficult year as input costs remain significantly higher than before the pandemic, according to new industry insight from agricultural supplier Wynnstay Group.

The company, which has deep roots in rural Wales and generates around sixty per cent of its retail revenue in the country, says confidence among farmers is lower than this time last year, with rising costs, policy uncertainty and tightening margins influencing spending decisions.

However, there are also signs of resilience, with many producers focusing on efficiency and forward planning to cope with ongoing pressures.

Wales at heart of business

Wynnstay, originally founded by tenant farmers in Mid Wales in 1918, has grown into a major UK agricultural supplier serving more than 20,000 farming customers through manufacturing sites, stores and on-farm services. The group employs hundreds of staff across the UK and operates a nationwide distribution network supporting livestock and arable producers.

The company says Welsh farming businesses continue to play a central role in its commercial performance and long-term growth strategy.

Cautious investment decisions

According to Wynnstay, farmers are delaying some investment decisions but are increasingly seeking value-driven solutions that improve productivity.

Feed volumes have increased across the company’s Welsh store network over the past year, reflecting demand for blended feeds that offer greater flexibility and cost control. Rather than reducing purchases outright, many farmers are matching spending more closely to performance and output.

Fertiliser demand has also been strong, with sales ahead of last year, although some farmers have delayed buying in the hope prices may fall. Global supply pressures and rising gas costs mean prices are expected to remain firm into the busy spring season.

Costs still far above pre-Covid levels

Industry data shows overall farm input costs remain significantly higher than before 2020, with feed, fertiliser, fuel, electricity and machinery all continuing to put pressure on farm margins.

While some costs have eased from their peaks, they have not returned to previous levels, influencing buying behaviour across the sector.

Margins for livestock and dairy farms were strong last year, but Wynnstay says they are now tightening, particularly in the dairy sector where milk prices have fallen and volatility remains high.

Pressure on family farms

Smaller family-run farms are under greater strain than larger commercial operations, with less financial resilience to absorb rapid market changes. Reports of rising closures among family farms, particularly in dairy, reinforce concerns about the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Government policy changes are also contributing to uncertainty. The transition away from the Basic Payment Scheme and wider tax reforms have led many farmers to postpone larger investments until there is clearer long-term stability.

Local reaction

Pembrokeshire farmer Chris James said the situation reflected what many farmers were experiencing locally.

“We’ve definitely noticed the squeeze over the past year or two,” he said. “Costs for feed, fertiliser and fuel are still much higher than they used to be, and that makes you think twice about every decision. Most farmers I know aren’t cutting back on production — they’re just trying to be more efficient and careful with spending.”

He added: “People want to invest and move forward, but it’s hard when you don’t know exactly what the long-term policy picture will look like.”

NFU Cymru has also warned that rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on farm businesses across Wales, with confidence affected by concerns over future support schemes and wider economic challenges. The union has called for greater long-term certainty to allow farmers to invest with confidence and maintain domestic food production.

Weather shocks impact behaviour

Extreme weather during 2025 — including a very dry spring followed by periods of intense heat and a challenging wet autumn — also affected purchasing patterns, with farmers spacing orders and prioritising essential inputs as conditions changed.

Ordering behaviour is now returning to more normal patterns as conditions stabilise.

Outlook for 2026

Despite ongoing pressures, Wynnstay says it is cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.

Many farmers are making careful decisions around efficiency, nutrition and planning, and the company believes there are opportunities for businesses to strengthen their position through 2026 with good cost control and smart investment.

Summing up the sector, the company said Welsh agriculture remains resilient, with farmers showing determination and adaptability despite continuing challenges.

Community

Community meeting planned to secure future of historic Boncath building

Published

13 hours ago

February 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents invited to support bid to buy former WI meeting room for community use

A PUBLIC meeting has been called in Boncath as residents prepare plans for a community buy-out of a historic corrugated iron building that has served local people for generations.

Villagers will gather at Boncath Village Hall on Tuesday (Feb 24) at 7:00pm to discuss proposals to purchase Bwthyn Boncath — the former Women’s Institute meeting room — and transform it into a community heritage space for the village.

WI members support community purchase

Local WI members have already agreed to offer the community first refusal on the building, paving the way for a potential community-led purchase.

Supporters say the project would preserve an important piece of local heritage while creating a flexible space for events, exhibitions, and activities in the heart of the village.

PLANED helping lead initiative

The meeting will be led by Cris Tomos of PLANED, the community development charity that previously helped facilitate the community purchase of Tafarn Sinc in Rosebush in 2017.

Mr Tomos said the Boncath project could become another example of successful community ownership in North Pembrokeshire.

He said: “It would be great to have another corrugated building owned by the community in North Pembrokeshire — especially in 2026 as Tafarn Sinc celebrates its 150th anniversary.”

Organisers estimate that around £12,000 will be needed to secure the purchase, with further fundraising planned to support restoration and future use.

How to get involved

Anyone interested in supporting the project or learning more is encouraged to attend the public meeting.

Further information is available via the Bwthyn Boncath Facebook page or by contacting PLANED on 01834 860965.

Photo caption: Community members gather to support plans for the purchase of Bwthyn Boncath (Pics supplied).

Entertainment

New theatre show explores realities of motherhood in Pembrokeshire

Published

14 hours ago

February 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW theatre production exploring the joys, pressures and complexities of modern motherhood in Pembrokeshire is set to premiere in Haverfordwest next month.

Pembrokeshire writer Ceri Ashe, known for Bipolar Me, 99er, Farmers Townies & Grocles, has teamed up with comedy writer-producer Angharad Tudor to create Enjoy Every Minute / Joia Bob Munud, a community-rooted performance commissioned by SPAN Arts and Unlimited.

The project grew out of the pair’s own experiences of motherhood and mental health, and began with a series of creative workshops held in 2025 for mothers of children aged four and under. Thirteen free places were offered to local mums with no previous creative experience, with weekly sessions taking place at Milford Haven Library and the Pill Social Centre.

Participants took part in poetry, storytelling, singing and movement sessions, with children welcome but the focus firmly on giving mothers time to explore their own creativity and wellbeing.

Ceri Ashe and Angharad Tudor said: “While we valued mother-and-baby groups, we felt something was missing in Pembrokeshire — a space for mums to explore creativity, connect honestly, and take time for themselves. To see it grow into a fully-fledged creative project rooted in the community has been a true pinch-me moment for us both.”

The resulting stage production features a cast of professional Pembrokeshire actors including Anna Monro, Anna Collcyz, Maya Jones, Tessa Ryan, Ceri Ashe, Cathy Davies and Janine Grayshon, alongside a chorus of community singers.

Alternative lyrics to well-known nursery rhymes — written by mothers who took part in the workshops — form part of the performance, capturing the humour and realities of parenting life.

The show blends poetry, storytelling, music and physical performance, aiming to offer an honest and heartfelt portrayal of motherhood while celebrating resilience and community connection.

A British Sign Language-interpreted performance will take place during the 4:00pm showing.

Creative team:
Director: Ceri Ashe
Assistant Director: Siobhan McGovern
Musical Director: Sara Benbow
Movement Director: Tessa Ryan

The performances will take place at Albany Hall in Haverfordwest on Saturday, March 14, with shows at 12:00pm and 4:00pm. The production runs for approximately ninety minutes.

Tickets operate on a pay-what-you-can basis starting at £5, with free tickets available for carers.

SPAN Arts, a Narberth-based community arts charity with more than thirty years of work in Pembrokeshire, commissioned the production as part of the Unlimited Partner Commissions programme, supported by National Lottery Awards for All funding.