News

Derelict farm building set to become home for ill pensioners

Published

10 months ago

February 25, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to convert a redundant 19th century north Pembrokeshire farm building to a three-bedroom home to provide improved accommodation for two pensioners with serious health conditions have been approved.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council planners, Tom Scanlon of Nantybwlch, Hermon, near Glogue, sought permission to concert the redundant outbuilding on site, the building last used in 2022.

Nantybwlch, a smallholding of eight acres with a farmhouse and large steel building and small stable enclosure, is located off the main Crymych to Hermon Road via a long driveway.

Nantybwlch is first identified on the tithe map dated 1844 as a house owned by Dan Evans and occupied by Walter Hannah. The farmstead then appears clearer on the 1st edition OS map dated 1888, reports for planners said.

In a statement calling for approval of the scheme, Mr Scanlon said: “Our reasons for wanting to convert the building is mainly as follows:- We have lived at Nantybwlch for 35 years. We are both pensioners with serious health conditions. As such at some point in the future we may need a carer to reside with or near us so the extra accommodation would be essential.

“Also, our present accommodation has no bathroom upstairs and the stairs is proving very difficult and dangerous for both of us. Looking forward, the proposed building proposal will have all the amenities on the ground floor which will be vital for us in the near future.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “It is considered that the proposal demonstrates that a residential use could be accommodated within the existing building without extensive alteration, expansion or rebuilding of the building that would affect the character of the area or its setting.

“There is external amenity spaces proposed, it is considered that this would not harm the landscaping setting or the character of the building.”

It added: “In terms of design, the plans were amended during the course of the application to overcome concerns that the proposal would negatively impact the agricultural character of the building. It is considered with the amendments to the design and use of external material finishes, that the proposal would ensure that the renovations and conversion works would largely retain the existing appearance and character of the outbuilding and pay due regard to the protection of the agricultural character of the historic outbuilding.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.