News
Outcry from residents as council proposes closing Pembroke Pool
LOCAL residents and community leaders have expressed outrage following Pembrokeshire County Council’s proposal to close Pembroke Pool as part of its 2025-26 budget consultation. The suggestion has sparked a wave of criticism, with the Pembroke Town Team labeling the move “truly disgusting” and urging locals to voice their objections.
Pembroke Town Team said on social media that the proposal came to their attention after it was shared in a private group chat, leading to widespread disbelief and anger among pool users and community advocates. The pool, a popular hub for swimming lessons, fitness sessions, club activities, and children’s parties, is described as consistently busy and a vital facility for the town.

One community member said: “This is shocking news. Pembroke Pool is always bustling, and instead of closing it, it should receive investment from levelling-up funds to enhance its services.”
The council’s budget consultation documents outline the proposed closure as part of cost-saving measures, prompting calls for residents to respond through the consultation process. The Pembroke Town Team has urged locals to complete the consultation form and make their objections known, emphasizing the pool’s importance to the community.
WIDESPREAD IMPACT
The potential closure has raised concerns about the impact on swimming clubs, fitness groups, and the wider community, including schools that rely on the pool for lessons. Parents, fitness enthusiasts, and club members have taken to social media to rally against the decision, calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to reconsider.
“This is not just a pool; it’s a community lifeline,” one user commented on social media.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation process via the council’s website. Pembrokeshire County Council has yet to respond to the criticism, but the consultation period remains open, providing an opportunity for voices to be heard.

To have your say on the proposed closure, visit the council’s consultation page: Pembrokeshire Budget Consultation 2025-26.
The Pembroke Town Team is urging residents to share the consultation link and encourage others to participate.
The Herald will continue to follow this story and provide updates as the consultation progresses.
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
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