Community
Rural programme celebrates success

Rural cash: Participants celebrate five years of RDP funding
A CELEBRATION of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Pembrokeshire was held this week (Sept 29). The scheme, which aims to promote rural economic growth and improve the Welsh environment, is drawing to an end after five years. Some £4 million in funding has been awarded by the RDP for Wales, from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government with many community organisations and businesses in Pembrokeshire set up with its help since 2009.
The funding has been secured and managed by the European Team at Pembrokeshire County Council. Monday’s celebration at the Picton Centre Haverfordwest highlighted some of the success stories from the second phase of the programme from 2011 to 2014. The programme focused on the development of both business support and the provision of basic services to rural communities. It brought together people who had benefited from the projects with those responsible for running them – from young entrepreneurs to community transport organisations and new business-owners. Among the projects attending which benefitted from RDP funding was Small Steps to Enterprise.
This project offers practical business support for entrepreneurs aged 14 – 25, with advice ranging from marketing to business planning and cash flows, plus a one-to-one mentoring service. Successes include an internationally successful ‘Body Socks’ company set up by Jack Lear of Manorbier, and the sought-after wedding and portrait photographer Angharad Thomas, a former student at Greenhill School. Wendy Harris, Youth Wendy Harris, Youth Enterprise Officer, said the organisation had helped many young people on their way to setting up their own business.
Another project benefitting from RDP was Spirit of Enterprise, a project run by the PBI. It has been designed to give a helping hand to artists and crafts people looking to start a new business, before having to commit themselves to buying or renting their own business premises. It has helped numerous craftspeople over the last three years, including designer Sophie Wordsworth of Swag And Tassel, who is now trading in Cardiff and London. More recently a co-operative has been formed by a group of present and past traders, which is hoping to take over 44 High Street once Spirit of Enterprise comes to an end in November.
Meanwhile on the community support side – PACTO (Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations) has also benefitted from RDP funding. PACTO provides three Dial a Ride services, two minibuses as well as an electric car and six scooters – all aimed at helping the most vulnerable and isolated get out and about. RDP funding also helped set up a community facility in Tegryn – the Canolfan Clydau Centre. The centre, which is due an official opening later this year, offers Post Office facilities to the community as well as space for meetings, events and parties.
Other projects helped over the last three years include: • Pro Support Network (PBI) – the matching of professional organisations to provide identified support and training in the voluntary sector • Enterprise 360 Programme (PBI)- Providing Business Support and advice Connecting Communities (PCC) – delivering broadband access in rural areas • Sector Circuit Rider (PAVS). Providing ICT Support to third sector organisations. • Steps to Enterprise (Hanes Llandoch). North Pembrokeshire business support project.
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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