News

Trecwn businessman ‘robbed Peter to pay Paul’

Published

8 years ago

July 11, 2018

A TRECWN businessman who ‘robbed Peter to pay Paul’ but also his wife and aunt has been made the subject of a suspended prison sentence.

Matthew Andrew Creed, aged 50, transferred £166,000 without telling the bank he owed more than £300,000 too.

His main company, Pembrokeshire Estates Ltd., later went under and after Natwest had sold the firm’s properties the bank was still owed £222,400.

Creed, of Ordnance House, was convicted after a trial of four offences under the Insolvency Act.

They were of making transfers of £114,000 to Gwaun Developments and £8,000 to AAA Management Ltd., two of his other companies, £25,000 to Annette Marshall, his aunt, and £19,000 to Nicola Creed, his then wife.

The court heard that Pembrokeshire Estates suffered a fire at one of the firm’s properties. The firm received an insurance payout of £247,786 but Creed paid the money into a new Santander account Natwest were not aware of.

Creed secretly made the offending payments from that account leaving Pembrokeshire Estates in financial difficulties.

His barrister, Paul Hobson, said Creed had not spent the money on high living but in a desperate attempt to keep his businesses afloat.

He had always intended to repay mortgages taken out with Natwest and his dishonesty took place when both his businesses and his marriage were heading for the rocks.

Creed, he said, had been made bankrupt and had signed an agreement not to act as a company director before 2025.

Mr Hobson said Creed now had a job with an internet marketing company and earned £680 a month.

The Judge, Mr Recorder Peter Griffiths, told Creed he had robbed Peter to pay Paul and if he suspected he had spent creditors’ money because of personal greed he would be going to jail.

He told Creed, who arrived in court with a bag ready for jail, he had driven a coach and horses through the Insolvency Act but he accepted he had found himself in a desperate situation.

Creed was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work for the community.

He was also ordered to contribute £1,000 at the rate of £100 a month to the costs of his prosecution.

Community

Classic car show returns to Carew airfield this summer

Published

4 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of vehicles, family attractions and local traders set for popular annual event

THE PEMBROKESHIRE CLASSIC CAR CLUB will once again bring a spectacular display of vintage motoring to Carew Airfield this summer, as its annual show returns on Saturday (June 6).

The much-anticipated event, running from 10:00am to 3:00pm, is expected to attract large crowds from across Pembrokeshire and beyond, with organisers promising a full day of entertainment for all ages.

Hundreds of classic cars will be on display, ranging from iconic British models to American classics, offering enthusiasts the chance to get up close to some of the finest vehicles on the road.

Alongside the cars, visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions including craft stalls, food vendors, trade stands and free face painting for children, making it a popular day out for families.

The event will take place at Carew Airfield, a location well known for hosting large-scale gatherings, with easy access and ample space for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Organisers are encouraging car owners, traders and exhibitors to get involved, with applications now open for those wishing to showcase vehicles or run stalls on the day.

Admission prices have been kept affordable, with family tickets priced at £10, while adults and OAPs pay £5 and children £3. Both cash and card payments will be accepted.

A spokesperson for the club said the show continues to grow year on year, adding: “It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate classic cars, and support local traders in a fantastic setting.”

For exhibitor and trade enquiries, contact [email protected]. Stall holders and car boot sellers can apply via [email protected].

Community

Residents evacuated after Carmarthenshire fire as investigation continues

Published

40 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

EMERGENCY SERVICES remain at the scene of a serious property fire in Kidwelly as investigations continue and efforts are made to make the building safe.

The fire broke out on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), prompting a multi-agency response involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Carmarthenshire County Council.

As a precaution, neighbouring properties were evacuated due to safety concerns, with residents temporarily displaced while the structural integrity of the affected building is assessed.

Safety work underway

Contractors were due to begin work at 9:00am on Thursday (March 27) to stabilise the structure and allow investigators to safely access the site. Authorities say the priority is to ensure the building is secure so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.

However, officials have stressed that this will not happen until the site is deemed safe.

Lady Street remains closed while the work is carried out, with disruption expected to continue in the area.

Appeal for information

Police have thanked the local community for their patience and support during the ongoing incident.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage recorded between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Community

Cwm Arian to showcase work at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026

Published

49 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CWM ARIAN Renewable Energy has confirmed it will host a stand at this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, set to take place from Friday, August 1 to Friday, August 8, 2026, at Llantwd in north Pembrokeshire.

The 2026 event is expected to be one of the most significant in recent history, marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi. With the Maes located close to the original site, organisers anticipate a landmark celebration for both the region and Wales as a whole.

The National Eisteddfod is regarded as Europe’s largest cultural festival, drawing around 175,000 visitors each year. It celebrates Welsh language, literature, music and the arts through a packed programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions and community events.

Communities across Pembrokeshire, alongside neighbouring parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, have been working together to fund the festival. Organisers set a target of £400,000, which is now close to being reached, reflecting strong local support.

Anna Mounteney, Communications Coordinator at Cwm Arian, said: “We are delighted to be part of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in such a significant year. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our work, connect with visitors, and celebrate the rich culture and community spirit of west Wales.”

Cwm Arian will be present on the Maes throughout the week, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds.

Cwm Arian is a community benefit society based in west Wales. Its work began with a community wind turbine in Llanfyrnach, which continues to generate renewable energy. The organisation now supports homes, community centres and local groups to install renewable systems, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.