Community
Church lowers a voting age to sixteen
16 AND 17-YEAR-OLDS will now be able to have their say at key church meetings following a motion passed last week. For the first time, under-18s will be able to become members of Diocesan Conferences and play a full part in their decision-making. The motion was passed with strong support by the Church’s Governing Body at its meeting last week.
It had been brought as a Private Members’ motion by the Archdeacon of Montgomery, Dr Peter Pike, and seconded by lay member, Dr Huw Lloyd – both from the Diocese of St Asaph. Proposing the change, Dr Pike referred to the Scottish referendum taking place that day at which younger teenagers were also allowed to vote. He said, “Those between the ages of 16 and 18, who will be voting for the very first time today, are being consulted and invited to make up their minds in a mature manner about a range of complex issues.
They are being respected for the energy and insight that they bring to life in Scotland. “Our Private Members’ Motion asks for something similar: that our young people aged 16 and over have the opportunity to take a full part in our six Diocesan Conferences. He added, “The young people of this age group are established and gifted in life, and have all sorts of perspectives on things which we who are older have either dulled or forgotten. But I wonder if our over cautious, utterly sensible and mildly hierarchical approach to governance in our church life has resulted in a huge blind-spot for those who would have so much to offer?”
During a lively debate, Carol Cobert, a lay representative from Llandaff Diocese, reflected that experience isn’t everything, telling the hall in Lampeter, “We have been making decisions for years and we still get it wrong!” Others commented that lowering the age of service would encourage young people to take part, “Giving young people responsibility will encourage participation, ” said Ros Crawford, a lay member from St Asaph Diocese.
Community
Police intervene after post raises fears of planned Pembroke Dock fight
Extra patrols launched after social media alert in aftermath of Tenby stabbings
POLICE intervened after an online warning raised fears of a planned fight involving young people in Pembroke Dock.
The development came in the immediate aftermath of the shocking stabbings of four youths at Tenby railway station on Tuesday night, which have caused serious concern across Pembrokeshire.
Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police said they were made aware of social media posts suggesting a fight had been arranged for Friday afternoon (Apr 10), and that the reports were treated with “the utmost seriousness”.
The Herald understands concerns were flagged directly to Dyfed-Powys Police after troubling material was seen online, including a post warning parents about an alleged planned fight in Memorial Park, Pembroke Dock.
The post urged parents to check their children’s phones and referred to claims that children as young as nine could be involved, with allegations that knives were being discussed in group chats on social media.
In a statement, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, Superintendent Louise Harries said: “These reports have been treated with the utmost seriousness, and our priority is to ensure the safety of residents in this area, as well as disrupting any kind of violent or anti-social behaviour that occurs.
“Today, our officers have taken proactive measures to identify those involved in the planned activity, and have spoken to each young person, along with their parents and guardians.
“I’d like to thank the young people involved for co-operating with our officers and for their understanding of the potential dangers and risks posed by planning such an event.
“To provide further reassurance, officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams will carry out patrols of the area and will be happy to speak with any members of the community about any concerns they may have.
“As we come to the end of the Easter holidays, I continue to urge parents, carers, and guardians to be aware of their children’s whereabouts.”
Police said neighbourhood officers would carry out extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance and deter any further anti-social or violent behaviour.
The latest development is likely to deepen fears of further youth disorder following the serious violence in Tenby earlier this week.
Anyone with concerns or information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via 101 or online. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Community
PCSO clocks in after villagers raise speeding fears
HERBRANDSTON residents flagged fast-moving traffic as a key concern, prompting police to carry out speed checks in the village.
Concern over speeding in Herbrandston has prompted a local police response, with PCSO Adam out in the village carrying out speed checks after residents raised the issue through DPP Connect.
Milford Haven and Neyland Police said the concerns emerged after officers signed local people up to the messaging service, which allows residents to share feedback and receive updates from police.
Many of those who responded said speeding through the village was one of their main worries.
In response, PCSO Adam was deployed to monitor traffic and check vehicle speeds.
The move is likely to be welcomed by residents who have grown tired of motorists treating the village like a racetrack.
Community
Walk the Path for Wellbeing to span three counties in 2026
THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY is inviting communities, workplaces, families and friends to take part in the 2026 Walk the Path for Wellbeing challenge, with this year’s event expanding across three counties for the first time.
Taking place on Sunday, May 10 and Monday, May 11, the challenge will bring people together to celebrate the spectacular West Wales coastline through walking and other forms of active travel, while highlighting the strong links between nature, movement and wellbeing. A reserve weekend of May 17 and 18 has also been set aside in the event of severe weather.

Building on feedback from last year, the event will now take place over two days rather than one, giving more people the opportunity to get involved and creating a longer window for celebration, storytelling and community spirit.
While last year’s challenge focused on the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast, this year’s event will also include sections of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, bringing even more communities into the shared coastal celebration.
The two-day event will feature self-led sections for group entry. With the focus firmly on enjoyment, there is no pressure to complete every stage, and participants are encouraged to do only as much as they feel comfortable with. Together, those individual efforts will contribute to a shared goal of covering the full 313 miles of coastline.
Angela Robinson, Health and Wellbeing Officer at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The coast has an extraordinary ability to lift people, connect communities and create lasting memories. By extending the event across two days and into neighbouring counties, we’re opening the door to even more people to celebrate that connection together and share their experiences on social media.”
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