News

Plans to relocate Pembroke Dock police station on hold

Published

1 year ago

March 23, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE planners are to visit the site of a proposal to move Pembroke Dock’s police station from its “no longer fit for purpose” Water Street location to a former council building.

In an application recommended for approval at the March meeting of Pembrokeshire county Council’s planning committee, Dyfed Powys Police, through agent Asbri Planning Ltd is seeking a change of use of the former Public Information Centre, Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock to a police station.

***The Argyle Street location proposed for the new police station (Image: Google)***

A supporting statement says the former council public information centre has been deemed surplus to requirements due to changes in working patterns, with Dyfed Powys Police declaring a strong interest in purchasing the property “to enable a more efficient building to house their new model hub for policing” than its current building in nearby Water Street.

It adds: “Should planning be approved, Dyfed Powys Police will progress with the sale of the current police station with the property then being advertised for sale on the open market.”

The statement went on to say: “The proposed re-location of the police operation from Water Street to Argyle Street will require no alterations to the building; it is considered adequate for the intended use with no changes required. The nature of policing also means the transition should be seamless as it is akin to a business use moving back into the property. The office is served by adequate parking for the intended number of employees without a need for any additional spaces.”

Speaking at the March meeting, agent Barrie Davies told members there would be no custody suite at the proposed new location, the situation at the current Water Street station.

Representing local objectors to the proposed move to Argyle Street, Lucy Cawley said it was “the busiest residential street in Pembroke Dock,” and the nearby Argyle surgery one of “the busiest in Wales,” saying the scheme would have a negative impact for residents, with so many vehicles leaving on a daily basis.

Calling for a site visit before any decision is made, she said the proposal would have “a significant impact on working families and children,” with emergency vehicles potentially leaving at high speed from the busy road.

That was disputed by Mr Davies, who said the application was “broadly a like-for-like relocation,” adding the “potential traffic chaos2 was not happening at the current location.

Local member Cllr Brian Hall asked: “Do we want a police station in Pembroke Dock or do we want it to be like Milford Haven without one?”

Moving approval, he said: “The Water Street station hasn’t had maintenance in many years; the last thing I want to see is to lose the station, we need a police presence there.

“The majority of the town all agree we don’t want to lose the police station. It’s essential we have it in the town; if we do not have the police station the town is going to be worse off.”

Cllr Mark Carter proposed a site visit be undertaken before any decision, saying: “It’s clearly an emotive issue for local residents.”

Cllr Tony Wilcox, a fellow councillor in the town to Cllr Hall, said he agreed with him “100 per cent” of the need to retain a station, but supported a site visit.

Members agreed to a site visit, with just one vote of dissention; the application return to a future committee meeting.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

5 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.