News

Local councillor speaks out against £60m Newgale road scheme

Published

11 months ago

May 9, 2025

Cllr Nick Neumann calls for preservation of iconic landscape and protection of beachfront businesses

A PEMBROKESHIRE county councillor has publicly declared his opposition to the controversial £60 million Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, describing the scheme as unjustified and damaging to the area’s natural heritage.

Cllr Nick Neumann, who represents Newgale, said he had been approached by several constituents seeking clarity on his stance. In a detailed public statement issued this week, he confirmed his “resolute” opposition to the current plans, which would see a new inland route for the A487 cut through the Brandy Brook valley.

“I’ve lived in Newgale most of my life, brought up at Southwood Cottage and spending time on neighbouring Wood Farm,” Cllr Neumann said. “I can honestly say the frequency of flooding, road closures, and storms is less now than when I was a young boy.”

“For me, I see no justification or need for a new road that will cut through a very sensitive landscape rich in natural habitat whilst costing taxpayers tens of millions of pounds.”

The Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, led by Pembrokeshire County Council in partnership with consultants AtkinsRéalis, proposes a major inland realignment of the A487 to address risks from coastal flooding. However, it has faced mounting criticism from residents, local politicians, and environmental groups.

Support for existing road and local businesses

Cllr Neumann has urged the council to focus instead on maintaining and safeguarding the existing coastal road, which he says supports well-established businesses such as the Newgale campsite, pub, surf shop, café and hardware store.

He described continued management of the shingle bank as “a sustainable, cost-effective and proven solution if managed correctly,” and called for modest investment in diversion routes to improve signage and traffic management on the rare occasions when the road is closed.

“These are my personal views as a lifelong resident of Newgale, views which I know are shared by many in our community,” he added. “In my capacity as local member and county councillor, I will continue to hold those in authority to account and push back on the current proposals.”

Consultation still open

Cllr Neumann encouraged residents to participate in the ongoing statutory pre-application consultation, which runs until Saturday, May 11.

“This iconic view on the approach to the St Davids Peninsula needs to be preserved for future generations to enjoy and not lost as the consequence of ill-considered advice and misinformation,” he said.

The proposed scheme includes a 2.5km inland road and a 120m-long concrete bridge across Brandy Brook valley. While the council maintains that it is necessary to protect against future climate-related risks, campaigners and some experts argue that the current coastal road could be retained with relatively minor interventions.

How to respond to the consultation:

Online: www.newgalecoastaladaptation.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Post:
Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team
AtkinsRéalis
12 Orchard Street
Swansea
SA1 5AD

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

14 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

38 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”