News
Application submitted to rebuild weather-damaged wall at historic Blackpool Mill
AN APPLICATION has been submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners to rebuild a weather-damaged riverside wall at the historic Blackpool Mill, now a restaurant.
Bluestone Resorts Ltd is seeking permission to replace a collapsed riverside retaining wall at the Grade II*-listed Blackpool Mill, located at Blackpool Bridge near Narberth.
A supporting statement from agent Graham Frecknall Architects states: “Blackpool Mill is a Grade II*-protected heritage asset located on the south bank of the Cleddau River at Blackpool Bridge.
“The property was granted formal planning and listed building consent in 2020 to convert the former museum into a restaurant with ancillary on-site facilities, and it opened to the public in July 2023.
“In October 2023, following a period of heavy rainfall and high tides, a large section of the existing stone-faced riverside retaining wall—situated immediately adjacent to the main mill building and the rear gable of the store—collapsed into the Cleddau River. In November 2023, after discussions with conservation and NRW officers, temporary works were installed to prevent further collapse and erosion while a permanent solution was sought.
“The proposals for the new retaining wall aim to recreate the coursed stone façade of the pre-collapse structure using modern, structural materials, designed and coloured to match the basement stone façade of the main mill building.”
The restaurant opened in 2023 after Bluestone CEO William McNamara secured permission in 2020 to restore the historic mill. A total of £3 million was spent on preserving, restoring, and transforming the Georgian building and its grounds.
The 210-year-old mill was renovated by skilled craftspeople and engineers, who worked to preserve its historical character. The restoration included the installation of 53 traditional sash windows in keeping with Georgian architecture, as well as custom-made staircases. Original milling equipment, including connecting rods and braces, was also restored to reflect the mill’s industrial heritage.
The restaurant’s opening created 35 new jobs across both front and back of house.
The latest application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
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.
-
Crime6 days agoPhillips found guilty of raping baby in “worst case” judge has ever dealt with
-
Crime5 days agoKilgetty scaffolder sentenced after driving with cocaine and in system
-
Crime5 days agoHousing site director sentenced after failing to provide breath sample following crash
-
Crime5 days agoMotorist banned for three years after driving with cannabis in system
-
News16 hours agoDyfed-Powys Police launch major investigation after triple fatal crash
-
Education4 days agoTeaching assistant struck off after asking pupil for photos of her body
-
Crime1 day agoMan spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven
-
News7 days agoJury retires tomorrow in harrowing Baby C rape trial





