News
Smart Towns Initiative for Fishguard and Goodwick makes progress
AN ONLINE meeting was held on Monday evening (Dec 2) to discuss the next steps in the Smart Towns initiative for Fishguard and Goodwick. The initiative aims to introduce cutting-edge technology to enhance business intelligence, tourism management, and environmental monitoring across the twin towns.
The meeting, hosted by Greenwood of Owen Davies Consulting, included representatives from North Pembrokeshire Trade and Tourism (NPTT), the Town Council, and Pembrokeshire County Council. Despite a lower-than-expected turnout, discussions highlighted the transformative potential of smart technology in the area.
Greenwood expressed confidence in the initiative, stating: “We already have much of the necessary infrastructure in place. This project will provide valuable insights into the twin town environment, driving prosperity and vitality for residents for years to come.”
Benefits of smart technology
The Smart Towns initiative promises to deliver a host of advantages, including:
- Boosting Tourism: Real-time information and improved connectivity to enhance visitor experiences.
- Supporting Businesses: Tools to analyse customer trends and optimise operations.
- Environmental Monitoring: Sensors to track air and water quality, as well as ecosystems.
- Improved Transport: Insights into car park availability, bus schedules, and waiting times.
Mark Rummery of Ivybridge Guesthouse emphasized the initiative’s wide-ranging applications, noting: “The analytics offered by this system are impressive. From monitoring car park usage to tracking public transport trends, this technology can address a variety of local needs.”
Challenges and opportunities
Attendees identified several challenges, including securing local buy-in and funding. Fishguard currently lacks dedicated personnel to oversee the project, a gap that could be addressed by hiring IT staff or creating a role within the Town Council.
Pembrokeshire County Council representatives stressed the need to focus on tangible benefits, such as revitalizing the town centre, to secure financial support. Rummery suggested that potential revenue streams from data analytics could make the project self-financing.
Next steps
The initiative remains in its exploratory phase. Stakeholders are encouraged to get involved to maximize the project’s potential. A formal presentation of the meeting’s discussions will be shared with decision-makers in the coming weeks.
“This initiative should be a cornerstone of our strategic plan for 2025/26,” Rummery added. “It’s vital that we engage all sectors of our community—high street traders, educators, transport operators, and more—to bring this vision to life.”
For further information or to view the presentation slides, contact Jeremy Martineau, Hon Secretary of North Pembrokeshire Trade and Tourism, via visitfishguard.co.uk.
Crime
Man sentenced after admitting possession of pepper spray and knuckleduster
Court hears prohibited weapons were found at Penygroes address
A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced after admitting possessing a knuckleduster and indicating a guilty plea to possessing pepper spray.
Llanelli Magistrates’ Court heard that Oliver Lycett, of Bridge Street, Penygroes, was before the court on Tuesday (Apr 14) in connection with the two weapons offences.
The first charge stated that on Oct 18, 2025, Lycett possessed a knuckleduster in a private place, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
He also faced a second charge of possessing pepper spray without the authority of the Secretary of State, an offence under the Firearms Act 1968.
The court record shows Lycett entered a guilty plea to the knuckleduster offence and an indicated guilty plea to the pepper spray offence.
District Judge M Layton imposed a community order running until Apr 13, 2027.
As part of the sentence, Lycett must complete up to 10 days of rehabilitation activity.
The court also ordered the deprivation of both weapons, meaning the knuckleduster and the pepper spray are to be forfeited.
Lycett was fined £120. He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.
A collection order was made, with deductions from benefits and the financial penalty to be paid in full within 28 days.
Crime
Pembrokeshire man to stand trial accused of rape in Tenby
Defendant denies allegation as case is sent to Swansea Crown Court
A PEMBROKESHIRE man is due to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of raping a woman in Tenby town centre.
Dean Gough, 48, of Orielton, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week charged with rape.
The court heard that Gough is accused of intentionally penetrating the woman’s vagina at a property in Tenby on December 7, 2022, without her consent and without reasonably believing that she was consenting.
During the hearing, Gough factually denied the allegation.
The case has now been sent to Swansea Crown Court, where trial proceedings are due to begin on May 15.
Gough was released on unconditional bail.
Crime
Driver banned after cocaine remained in system following trip from MOT
Milford Haven man told magistrates he did not realise drugs taken days earlier would still be detectable
A MILFORD HAVEN motorist has been banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.
Ben Conroy, 22, of Picton Road, Hakin, Milford Haven, was stopped by police at around 5:00pm on December 12 following a moving traffic offence on Steynton Road.
A roadside drugs wipe tested positive for cocaine. Further blood analysis later showed he had 240 microgrammes of benzoylecgonine and 24 microgrammes of cocaine in his system. The legal limits are 50 and 10 respectively.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Conroy had just collected his Ford Focus following an MOT and was driving to a friend’s house when he was stopped.
After he pleaded guilty to two charges of drug-driving, his solicitor, Alaw Harries, said the drugs had been taken several days earlier during a friend’s celebration.
“He’d taken the drugs several days previously at a friend’s celebration and didn’t realise they would still be in his system,” she said.
“This has been a genuine learning curve for the defendant and he is determined not to come before the courts again.”
Conroy was disqualified from driving for 17 months.
Magistrates also imposed a 12-month community order, during which he must complete a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement and ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.
He was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.
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