Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Bridge closed for second time in a week after ‘concerns for person’s welfare’

Published

on

THE CLEDDAU BRIDGE was closed to traffic for the second time in a week after there were calls about concerns for a person’s welfare.

Traffic was stopped from making the half-mile long crossing at around 11.45am on Friday (Oct 7) – a short while after the bridge re-opened by police.

The bridge was also closed just after midnight on Sunday morning after reports of concern over a person in distress.

A number of police units attended that incident, and an ambulance was put on standby, but thankfully was not needed. The bridge was closed for around a hour, with a diversion put in place.

Nearby residents said they noted the flashing lights from multiple emergency services on the bridge and posted statuses on Facebook wishing for the person’s safety.

Some other witnesses on the Pembroke Dock side of the estuary noted activity in the water from small vessels in the area under the bridge, which they believed may have been boats put on standby.

In a statement a spokesperson from the Welsh Ambulance Service said at the time: “We were called in the early hours of Sunday morning at 12:43am to reports of an incident on the A477, Cleddau Bridge.

“We sent one emergency ambulance but were subsequently stood down.”

At just after 1am Sunday the police posted the following on their official Facebook page, confirming that the incident was over: “Cleddau Bridge has now reopened. Thank you for your patience.”

Police also closed the Cleddau Bridge at 4am on Monday, August 29 due to an incident. On Twitter police asked for people to avoid the area. No specifics were released as to the nature of the incident, although it is understood it was similar in nature.

In light of all this, pressure is being put on the local council to examine ways of reducing the number of suicide attempts off Cleddau Bridge following reports that suicide rates have reached their highest level for two decades.

The problem is being exacerbated by the fact that an increasing number of young people are struggling to find adequate support from their mental health crisis teams.

Vicki Nash, head of policy and campaigns at the charity Mind said last month: “A significant proportion of people who take their own lives have asked for support for their mental health within the last 12 months,” commented

“But no one who is in touch with the mental health services or who is asking for help, should reach the point of taking their own life.

She added: “If they are, then it means that our services are failing people when they need help them the most.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have used World Mental Health Day to reiterate their calls for a 24/7 mental health service in Wales.

The Party first called for a complete overhaul of mental health services in Wales during the last Senedd elections, calling for mental health to be given equal status to physical health.

The Party’s calls come after Welsh Government figures released last week showed there had been a 10% increase in detentions under the Mental Health Act in Wales during the last year.

The latest Welsh Government statistics also show large waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (sCAMHS) across Wales with 57% of patients waiting longer than the four-week target time for their first referral. Cardiff and the Vale Health Board fairs particularly badly with 85% waiting over the target time.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called for the Labour Government to introduce plans to introduce a 24/7 mental health crisis care system; increase the share of funding that goes towards mental health to 13 percent of the Welsh NHS budget by 2028 and appoint a dedicated Minister of Mental Health until backlogs are cleared.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “On Mental Health Day we rightly recognise the progress we have made in removing the stigma that used to surround the issue.

“However, we are still failing far too many people, especially young people. The fact that the number of people detained under the Mental Health Act has risen 10% in a year only goes to show many people aren’t able to access the treatment they need and instead reach a crisis point.

“The risk of a significant generational chasm in mental health treatment, especially in places like Cardiff where the figures have been dire for so long is especially worrying.

“Labour must ensure that mental health is treated equally to physical health. If a child had a broken leg we would not wait over four weeks to treat it, why should it be acceptable for a child experiencing a mental health crisis to wait so long?

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats have championed the cause of Wales’ mental health, having pushed for greater mental health funding during budget discussions with the Welsh Government, including an immediate cash boost to mental health services.

“These statistics make it clear however that Labour are not meeting expectations and the Liberal Democrats will continue to call for the creation of a 24/7 mental health service in Wales alongside increases in funding towards mental health services in Wales.

“The work voluntary organisations who work with young people suffering from poor mental health do is invaluable and if we are to tackle this epidemic, the Welsh Government must look at sustainable funding capacity for those organisations.”

 

Entertainment

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

on

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life

TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy on Saturday (Mar 21) as hundreds of visitors descended on the town for the annual Steampunk Festival.

The highlight of the day came with the much-anticipated Peacock Parade, which saw elaborately dressed participants wind their way through Tenby’s narrow streets, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Residents and visitors lined the route, many stopping to take photos as performers in eye-catching costumes passed by. From brass goggles and top hats to military-inspired uniforms and elegant gowns, the outfits on display reflected the creativity and theatrical spirit of the steampunk scene.

Among the most striking sights were the towering pink flamingo creations, which rose high above the crowds and became an instant talking point. Musicians in period costume added to the atmosphere, playing lively tunes as they marched through the town.

Families were out in force, with children and adults alike enjoying the spectacle. Many visitors had travelled from across Wales and beyond to attend the event, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Tenby’s events calendar.

The Herald understands that local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafés, pubs and shops seeing a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

In addition to the parade, a range of activities were taking place across the town, including markets, performances and themed entertainment centred around the De Valence Pavilion.

Organisers have worked to create an inclusive and welcoming event, with many people choosing to dress up while others simply come along to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The festival continues on Sunday, with further events planned as Tenby remains firmly in the grip of steampunk fever for the weekend.

Photos: Colourful characters take part in the Peacock Parade through Tenby on Saturday (Pic: Gareth Davies).

 

Continue Reading

News

Accidental deaths in Wales rise by 43% as calls grow for urgent action

Published

on

More than 1,200 lives lost each year as charity warns of growing public health crisis

ACCIDENTAL deaths in Wales have risen by 43% over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people now dying each year, prompting calls for urgent action from the next Welsh Government.

New figures released by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) show that Wales now has a death rate 22% higher than the UK average, with preventable harm placing increasing pressure on the NHS and disproportionately affecting poorer communities.

Falls remain the leading cause of accidental death, accounting for nearly half of all fatalities. People in Wales are around 24% more likely to die from a fall than those elsewhere in the UK.

RoSPA has warned that the situation represents a growing public health crisis, as it launches its Stronger, Safer Wales manifesto ahead of the next Senedd election.

The charity is urging ministers to treat accident prevention as a national priority, arguing that many deaths could be avoided through relatively simple and low-cost interventions.

Accidental harm is also linked to a range of other risks, including rural road collisions, accidental poisonings, machinery incidents, and dog-related injuries.

The wider impact is significant, with preventable accidents costing the NHS billions, reducing workforce participation, and deepening inequality across Wales.

RoSPA is calling for a range of measures, including improved home safety standards, compulsory water safety education in schools, and stronger road safety interventions.

Among its proposals are mandatory eyesight tests for drivers every three years, better road markings to protect motorcyclists, and tighter regulation of unsafe or counterfeit products sold online.

The charity also wants to see national home safety programmes introduced to support vulnerable households, along with clearer responsibilities for local authorities in managing water safety risks.

Becky Hickman, Chief Executive of RoSPA, said the figures should act as a wake-up call for policymakers.

She said: “Wales is facing a clear and escalating crisis of accidental deaths, and the evidence shows the situation is worsening year on year.

“Behind every statistic is a life that could have been saved with practical, proven interventions.

“We are calling on the next Welsh Government to make accident prevention a national priority, because coordinated action will save lives, reduce inequalities and relieve pressure on the NHS.”

She added: “Accidents are not inevitable. With strong leadership and consistent standards across Wales, we can significantly reduce preventable harm.”

RoSPA says tackling the issue will require coordinated action across government, emergency services, local authorities and industry, but insists that the solutions are both achievable and cost-effective.

The charity’s manifesto is intended to shape future policy in Wales, with a focus on reducing avoidable deaths while easing pressure on overstretched public services.

 

Continue Reading

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

on

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment2 hours ago

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy...

Crime1 day ago

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for...

Local Government1 day ago

Poverty summit highlights support efforts across Pembrokeshire

A SUMMIT bringing together key organisations from across Pembrokeshire has highlighted both the scale of local poverty and the work...

Education2 days ago

Milford Haven school plans unveiled but funding not yet secured

PLANS for a new £100 million school in Milford Haven have been unveiled, but the project has not yet secured...

News2 days ago

Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for...

Health2 days ago

NHS waiting list falls — but cancer delays and diagnostic backlog worsen

Record progress claimed by Welsh Government as critics warn key targets are still being missed THE NHS in Wales has...

Crime3 days ago

Rapist jailed after ‘abhorrent’ attacks on woman and children

Haverfordwest man told police “women won’t have sex without force” A HAVERFORDWEST man who raped a woman and a young...

News3 days ago

Reform secures first Pembrokeshire councillor in Hakin by-election win

Late Reform candidate takes seat as independent surge and Labour withdrawal shape contest REFORM UK candidate Scott Thorley has won...

News4 days ago

Scott Thorley elected as Pembrokeshire’s first Reform councillor

REFORM UK candidate Scott Thorley has won the Hakin by-election after securing 179 votes. The full result is as follows:...

News4 days ago

Police confirm man has died after being recovered from River Cleddau

Major emergency response in town centre after concerns raised for man in water A MAN has died after being recovered...

Popular This Week