News
Permission for new home on councillor’s relative’s land ‘not rubber stamped’
A CALL to allow a four-bed home to be built in a Pembrokeshire village on land owned by the relative of a county councillor has been approved, but it was stressed it had not been rubber-stamped through.
In an application recommended for conditional approval at the recommended for conditional approval at the June 3 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Richard Rogers sought permission for a new four-bed two-storey dwelling at Plot 1, Bro Dewi, Puncheston.

The application had been brought for committee decision as Cllr Delme Harries was identified as the owner of the site of the application.
An officer report said: “The street comprises four detached properties, the subject site is the final plot to be developed. The plot stands undeveloped and overgrown following previous clearance.”
It added: “The scale and design of the proposed dwelling is considered an acceptable design response to the constraints of the site which is unlikely to have any significant adverse impact upon highway safety, biodiversity, historic environment or amenity. Subject to conditions the proposal would comply with the requirements of the relevant policies of the LDP.”
The application was moved by Cllr Alan Dennison.
It was seconded by Cllr Rhys Jordan, who stressed to the public “The land in question belongs to a colleague of ours, we’re not just brushing it through, it’s a bread-and-butter application, this is not the case of us moving this quickly; there is nothing out of the ordinary for us to scrutinise here.”
The application was unanimously backed by committee members.
Entertainment
Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery
A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.
Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.
Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.
The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.
A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.
The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.
The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.
Community
Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland
FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.
The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.
Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.
“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”
Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.
The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.
Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).
Community
Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover
Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot
VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.
A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.
The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.
Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.
She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.
The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.
One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”
Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”
Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”
The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.
Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.
Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.
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