County welcomes 2005 (From Western Telegraph)

County welcomes 2005

The county's New Year's Eve celebrations passed off fairly smoothly, despite several pockets of trouble.

Around 3,000 people gathered in Tenby's Tudor Square but police said that, although there were two drink-related arrests, there were no major problems.

"Things went very smoothly and the atmosphere was excellent," said a police spokesman. "There were only five arrests in the whole of the Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth areas, which is no worse than a Saturday night."

A large crowd also gathered at Saundersfoot Harbour for a spectacular firework display. In Haverfordwest, there were no real problems caused by the large crowds who congregated in Castle Square until the early hours.

Two people were, however, arrested for alleged drugs offences. The aftermath resulted in the usual clean-up operation by both council staff and individual property owners.

Police in Milford had to deal with several drink-fuelled incidents over the New Year, some involving the letting off of fireworks in the street, and there were several arrests.

Hamilton Terrace was particularly busy and two men were arrested for public disorder offences after a disturbance on New Year's Eve.

Two men were also arrested on suspicion of assault following a disturbance involving some 20 people in St Peter's Road, Johnston.

And there were two further arrests for alleged assault after police were called to a disturbance in Haven Drive, Hakin.

Around the coast the New Year came in very quietly, said coastguards at Milford Haven. The Fire Brigade also reported a quiet start to 2005, with just a road accident involving one car near Ddolcwm, Scleddau, at 5.30am on New Year's Day.

"There was no-one trapped and our services were required only to ensure there was no fire," said a spokesman.

For the sixth year, Fishguard staged its New Year's Eve live spectacular on The Square, when the band The Crooks, with DJ Dai Lawrence, entertained up to 4,000 people into the early hours.

Earlier in the day family entertainment proved popular with locals and visitors. By 10pm an estimated 2,000 people were already enjoying the festivities and by the time the fireworks display saw in the New Year the crowd was around 4,000.

The Square was closed to traffic between 7pm and 1.30am. Cllr Sian James, leader of the Fishguard community events Committee, said the event, on its purpose-built stage, was the best ever and attracted large numbers, not only from Pembrokeshire but further afield.

In Tenby a man dressed as the Duke of Wellington and a woman in naval fancy dress were the victims of an unprovoked assault near the Five Arches by three men wearing baseball caps, two of whom had Liverpool accents. Anyone with information about the incident, which happened around 12.20am on New Year's Day, should contact Tenby police on 01834 842303.

Dispiriting weather and world events failed to dampen the spirits of Saundersfoot's New Year swimmers, whose charity splash was the biggest yet.

A record 674 bathers, including 204 dressed as penguins, stormed into the sea, watched by around 4,000 spectators who gave £2,250 to the bucket collection.

"We were amazed at the turnout, as the weather was not its best, and the tsunami disaster was not far from everyone's thoughts," said Saundersfoot Festivities Association chairman Martyn Williams.

"But we are pleased that a number of swimmers used the occasion to raise money for the appeal, and there was also a bring and buy sale on the harbour."

The Saundersfoot CP School penguins, including Saundersfoot's vicar, Canon Michael Butler, waddled to the beach from Coppet Hall to join a throng of fancy-dressed characters, including Mexicans, inflatable Santas and spotty dogs.

A countdown led by Wales Tourist Board chairman Philip Evans, a coastguard maroon and one of the loudest fireworks that Chris Allen of West Coast Fireworks could muster, sent the swim on its way.

Just four of the swimmers have taken a New Year's dip in every one of the 22 Saundersfoot events - John Joseph, Gethin Evans, Mick Hamilton and Chris Williams.

Medals were presented by Philip Evans, Zoe Snell, of sponsors Oakwood and Peter and Sue Williams.