News
Print works near Pembroke Castle to be redeveloped

PLANS to convert a print works, and former church, close to Pembroke Castle to a holiday let have been approved after being refused last year.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Criag Odlin sought permission for a change of use of the Printing Works, The Green, Pembroke – in the town’s conservation area – to holiday accommodation.
The site is located within the 500m buffer zone of Schedule Ancient Monuments Pembroke Castle, Pembroke Town Wall and Priory Farm Cave.
A previous application was refused last year on the grounds “the nature of the proposed development is considered to have a potential to impact on the protected species and their habitats,” adding: “ Whilst the application includes a Green Infrastructure Statement and demonstrates biodiversity enhancements, the application lacks the provision of a protected species survey. In the absence of such information, the proposed development fails to demonstrate a positive approach to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and thus fails to accord [with policy].”
An officer report on the latest proposal, recommending approval, said: “The development would provide new self-catering accommodation within the settlement boundary for the Hub Town of Pembroke, resulting in positive environmental and social impacts through the appropriate re-use of the building and the increase in availability of varied accommodation in the local area and positive economic benefits through expenditure on building materials and on labour during constriction.”
It went on to say: “With regard to ecology, there are multiple bat records in the area, with the building having the potential to support bats. A Preliminary Roost Assessment and a Green Infrastructure Statement (GIS) have been submitted, the assessment identifies that bats were not using the site and that no further survey work is considered necessary.
“The GIS demonstrates a stepwise approach to the development and proposes biodiversity enhancement measures.”
The application was conditionally approved.
Entertainment
Musicians unite for climate concert in Cardigan

TWO local musicians are joining forces to raise awareness of the climate and nature crisis through a special concert at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, May 31.
The event, titled Singing for Life, will begin at 7:00pm and will feature original compositions by singer-songwriter and classical pianist Rosalind Powell, alongside music from Matthew Douglas, who performs under the name Drift.
Powell, well-known in the area for her piano recitals and songwriting, said she felt a strong desire to do something meaningful in response to environmental concerns. “Music can bring people together in powerful ways,” she said. “This event is about raising our voices — quite literally — for a cause that affects us all.”
Douglas, who shares Powell’s passion for protecting the natural world, was quick to support the idea. His performances under the moniker Drift combine reflective lyrics with a contemporary sound, offering a contrast to Powell’s classical influences.
The evening is being held in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR), with all proceeds going to support their local campaigning work. Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested donation of £8. Refreshments will be served during the interval between the two acts.
Organisers say everyone is welcome, regardless of political affiliation. “This is about raising awareness, sharing music, and connecting with one another,” Powell added.
Crime
West Wales man jailed for terrifying knife-point robbery

A WEST WALES man who tied up a family and robbed them at knifepoint in their own home has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Larry Black, aged 38, from Swansea was one of two masked men who forced their way into a house in Llansamlet, brandishing a hammer and knives. The pair subjected the family to a terrifying ordeal, tying them up before stealing £500 in cash and a set of car keys.
Black, who has refused to reveal the identity of his accomplice, was caught following a detailed investigation by South Wales Police detectives. Officers tracked him down after gathering forensic and witness evidence linking him to the scene.
Despite the seriousness of the offence, the court heard that Black has shown no remorse for his actions and has declined to cooperate with police efforts to identify the second suspect.
He was handed an extended 13-year sentence, which includes time in custody and on licence, in recognition of the danger he poses to the public.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims, who were targeted in the safety of their own home. Thanks to the work of our officers, a dangerous individual is now off the streets.”
Anyone with information about the second suspect involved in the robbery is urged to contact South Wales Police.
News
Lifeboat launch turns out to be false alarm at Caerfai Bay

ST DAVIDS lifeboat crews were paged by HM Coastguard at 5:23pm on Thursday (May 15) following reports of three people in the water and an inflatable being blown out to sea at Caerfai Bay.
Both the all-weather lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat launched promptly in response to the emergency call.
However, upon arrival, crews found that the three individuals were safe and well, enjoying an evening of snorkelling and fishing. The reported inflatable was identified as a surface marker buoy, anchored securely to the sea bed.
The launch was classified as a false alarm with good intent. The St Davids Coastguard Rescue Team was also in attendance and later shared a photo of the volunteer RNLI crews returning to station.
-
Crime3 days ago
Stalker built secret den to spy on ex-partner
-
Crime3 days ago
Hope for John Cooper as DNA clears man jailed in 1987
-
Crime4 days ago
Pembrokeshire window fitter denies raping woman in her own kitchen
-
Crime4 days ago
Pembrokeshire livestock owner narrowly avoids jail sentence
-
Sport5 days ago
Record chases in week of high drama across Pembrokeshire cricket
-
Crime3 days ago
Court action after log cabin and shepherd’s hut built without permission
-
Crime4 days ago
Pembrokeshire man sentenced for stalking ex-partner
-
News5 days ago
Civic pride on show as Pembroke town honours tradition