News
Tenby’s former market and town hall could become spa hotel
AN APPLICATION to change part of Tenby’s former town hall and market hall, and the nearby former TP Hughes department store to a spa hotel, restaurant and café/bar has been submitted to national park planners.
Wil Crockford of Bassett Crockford Holdings Ltd seeks permission from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for a change of use the former TP Hughes/ M&Co store and a part change of use of the market hall and former town hall to a spa hotel, restaurant and cafe/bar, with associated extensions and alterations at High Street/Upper Frog Street Tenby.
The proposed development includes the first floor of the old town hall, to provide additional space for the hotel spa, and portion of the ground floor of the market hall.
A supporting statement through agent Gerald Blain Associates Ltd says: “The proposed development comprises of three buildings, two buildings which sit either side of St Nicholas’s Lane with retail frontages on both Upper Frog Street and High Street (former retail store), and the market hall/town hall.
“The buildings either side of St Nicholas’s Lane are linked via a first-floor bridge which stretches over the lane below. Viewed from Upper Frog Street the property has two entrances either side of St Nicholas’s Lane, the left-hand building (part 1) stretches between high street and upper frog street, the right-hand building (part 2) only has a frontage on upper frog street. Part 1 of the building comprises of three storeys and a basement, part 2 comprises of two storeys only. The market hall/town hall adjoins part 1 and comprises of two storeys, the ground floor is predominantly occupied by the market hall and the first floor occupied by the former town hall and storage rooms for the market.”
The former retail store was occupied by the well-known TP Hughes department store from 1902 to 2017, the TP Hughes name still visible in a mosaic step on Upper Frog Street and a stained glass window on the bridge.
It is sited within the Grade-I-listed medieval defensive town walls of Tenby, a designated scheduled ancient monument and was more recently occupied by clothing retailer M&Co before its closure was announced in 2023.
The market and old town hall are owned by Pembrokeshire County Council and the applicant is in the process of negotiating a long-term lease for the first floor and small portion of the market hall, the statement says.
It adds: “The proposed scheme would remodel the interior of the former retail store to create a 20-bedroom hotel, café/ bar and restaurant. The internal remodelling would include the repositioning of the staircases, lifts and partitions.
“The first floor of the market hall would be remodelled to create the spa and gym areas for the hotel. An extension to the first floor of the town hall would be erected over the market hall below to provide further room for the spa.”
The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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