THIS story follows a post shared on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page on Sunday (Mar 23), where locals reacted with shock and anger after CCTV footage was released by The Angel in Narberth.

The pub’s owner, Louise Morgan, says she was left “annoyed and frustrated” after four diners allegedly helped themselves to salt and pepper mills from their table before walking out of the pub without paying for them.

The incident happened on Saturday (Mar 22) during lunchtime service. Louise, who has run the popular town centre pub for years, reviewed her CCTV after noticing the tableware had gone missing—and said she was stunned by what she saw.

Speaking to The Herald, she said: “They stole these salt and pepper mills which were there for less than a week. It’s like they had done it before. One of the guys blocked the camera, then the lady grabbed her coat, which allowed them to steal the mills.”

Louise added: “I am shocked. This has not happened for a while. People used to steal soap dispensers from the ladies’ toilets, but it’s been a few years since that happened. Still, I’ve replaced the dispensers with these large amber bottles.

“A person once said to me ‘If it’s not bolted down, people will take it.’ But overall, we don’t have that kind of clientele. I’m just annoyed. It’s hard enough running your own business for people to come in and steal your stuff. I like to think that most of my customers are not like that.”

The footage shows the group of four seated in the dining area, with what appears to be a deliberate attempt to block the camera while the items are taken. The Angel took to Facebook the following day, posting a still from the CCTV and a message asking for the items to be returned.

“If anyone knows Mr Kitchen Crew and his gang, please ask them to return the stolen goods & no questions will be asked,” the post said.

Hundreds of people reacted to the post, slamming the culprits and offering support to the pub.

Sue James-Davies wrote: “That is disgusting and pathetic. They should be shamed and banned from all Narberth establishments.”

Michelle Bellamy added: “That’s disgusting. Times are tough for everyone but if these people can afford to eat out surely, they can afford their own tableware at home without stealing. I hope they’re ashamed of themselves.”

James Iwan Day commented: “If they liked the tableware so much why didn’t they just ask where you got it from? Absolutely mind-blowing behaviour.”

And Graham Coslett said: “If they can afford to pay for the meal, they can afford to buy what they have stolen. I rest my case your honour.”

Police have not yet been involved, and Louise is hoping the items will be quietly returned.

Iconic crossing unites north and south of county

THIS WEEK (Mar 25) marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Cleddau Bridge – a key part of Pembrokeshire’s transport network that now carries over 4.4 million vehicles each year.

Spanning the wide and deep Milford Haven estuary, the bridge links the north and south of the county, connecting Neyland and Pembroke Dock. Before its construction, the journey between the two towns was a 28-mile detour by road, or a ferry crossing operated by the former County Council.

At 820 metres long with a main span of 213 metres and standing 37 metres above high water, the Cleddau Bridge remains one of the longest box girder bridges in the world.

The need for a 24-hour fixed crossing emerged during the 1960s, with the growth of the port at Milford Haven and the development of petrochemical facilities in the area. Construction of the Cleddau Bridge, along with the smaller Westfield Pill bridge, began soon afterwards under a £2.1 million contract.

However, the project was marred by tragedy. On June 2, 1970, a 60-metre cantilever section collapsed on the south bank, killing four workers. The disaster prompted a major review of design and safety standards for box girder bridges across the UK.

Despite the setback, the bridge was eventually completed and opened to traffic in 1975. In its first year, around 885,900 vehicles used the crossing. By March 2009, that number had risen to a record 4.6 million.

For 44 years, from opening until March 28, 2019, the bridge operated as a toll crossing, with drivers paying a charge each way. Pembrokeshire County Council successfully negotiated the removal of the tolls, securing a funding agreement with the Welsh Government. Since then, the benefit has been widely felt by local communities and businesses.

Maintenance of the bridge has been the responsibility of Pembrokeshire County Council since April 1996, with a dedicated team of engineers and operatives based at the 24/7 Bridge Office. Staff respond rapidly to weather events, including high winds, and ensure the safe operation of the crossing year-round.

Over the years, major works have included:

Gantry replacement (1993)

Repainting (1994 and 2011)

Pier-top strengthening (2001)

Waterproofing and resurfacing (2003/4)

Replacement of roller bearings with sliding (rocker) bearings (2014)

The bridge’s upkeep currently costs around £3.1 million per year, based on its projected 120-year lifespan. A replacement today would cost over £140 million.

Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “The Cleddau Bridge is a key route in our county’s road network and we are remembering today the hard work, and sadly the lives lost, in the construction of this vital piece of infrastructure.

“Fifty years on from its opening, use of the Cleddau Bridge has not diminished, and its important contribution to the economy of the county cannot be understated.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, added: “For many people in Pembrokeshire, the Cleddau Bridge is just part of the landscape, but there are still many residents who remember the long drive around the Haven before it was built.

“Indeed, I also remember my father taking me on the ferry across from Neyland to Hobbs Point in the sixties – an exciting trip for a young child in those days.

“Within the engineering community, the Cleddau Bridge is well-known for its unique design and for being the longest bridge of this type in the world.”

THIS April, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven welcomes a dynamic cast of Welsh talent to the stage with 3Drama — a trio of powerful new Welsh-language plays presented in one unmissable evening of theatre.

Taking to the stage are Siôn Emyr, Mali O’Donnell, Mark Henry-Davies, Elena Carys-Thomas, and Gareth John Bale, performing three original plays born from ‘Sgen ti Syniad? — a vibrant platform nurturing new and established voices in Welsh theatre.

Audiences on Wednesday 9 April will be treated to:

Wisgi by Carwyn Blayney

Dishgled ‘da Del by Cai Llewelyn Evans

99’er by Ceri Ashe, a Pembrokeshire native and familiar face at the Torch, last seen as the Evil Fairy Shadowmist in the 2023 pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

The Torch Theatre is especially proud to welcome back Gareth John Bale, best known for his celebrated one-man performance in Grav, which tells the story of Welsh rugby legend Ray Gravell. For 3Drama, Gareth not only acts in one of the plays — he also takes the director’s seat for another.

The plays:
Wisgi by comedian, actor and writer Carwyn Blayney, follows Gwion, who is down on his luck after breaking up with his girlfriend, Wini. Unable to afford living alone, he invites his old friend Iwan to move in. But are things really over with Wini? This sharply written comedy explores love, selfishness, and surviving the cost-of-living crisis.

Dishgled ‘da Del by rising comedy talent Cai Llewelyn Evans — a So You Think You’re Funny finalist and runner-up in the 2023 Max Turner Award — introduces Del Tozer, a controversial radio host who keeps her loyal listeners hooked with her no-holds-barred take on modern life. But when a young guest with a different perspective enters the studio, Del’s own past may come under scrutiny.

99’er by Ceri Ashe tells the story of Elen, who rushes home to Pembrokeshire following her father’s sudden death, only to find herself working in the family’s ice cream shop. Reflecting on life in her thirties, Elen faces the gap between youthful expectations and adult reality:
“When you’re young and imagine being thirty, you think, wow, everything will be sorted — a house, a job, no overdraft… blink — and bam, it’s your thirties and not much has changed!”

These compelling new plays are touring Wales this spring, with English précis available for non-Welsh-speaking audience members.

3Drama comes to the Torch Theatre on Wednesday 9 April at 7:30pm.
Tickets: £15.
Age guidance: 14+ (contains strong language).
For tickets and more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.