Community

‘Anti-social behaviour’ fears over new Pembroke housing plan

Published

11 months ago

June 6, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to change holiday lets to flats in Pembroke’s main street has been given the go-ahead despite concerns of antisocial behaviour connected with a nearby nightclub is creating scenes “like the OK Corral”.

In an application recommended for approval at the June meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee, Pembroke Assets Ltd sought permission to change nine holiday lets at 6-10 Main Street to flats.

The scheme was supported by Pembroke Town Council.

It was brought to committee as it was recommended for approval despite being a departure from the development plan, the departure relating to a previous scheme for the holiday lets being granted.

The site was once Co-Op’s old shop before it moved to the town’s Goose’s Lane in 2017, being empty until a number of developments took place including mixed business use and the previously-granted self-catering holiday lets.

A report for members said there were high levels of noise both day and night at the location in Pembroke’s main street, “due to the presence of public houses and nightclubs”.

Referring to the departure from planning guidelines, as in the previous scheme, it said: “The primary justification of that proposal was economic regeneration of the town centre. As was considered then, the building was and is again vacant. Continued vacancy would lead to deterioration, to the detriment of the town centre and the surrounding Conservation Area.”

Cllr Jonathan Grimes, one of two members of a joint ward covering the area, raised concerns about the scheme in an email to the committee, saying that, while he supported increasing affordable housing stock, he had concerns about the location, saying it was “highly unsuitable for any form of housing for residents who would want or indeed expect a peaceful standard of living”.

“My main concern is the location of the property next door to a nightclub. The nightclub in question – ‘OUT’ has already attracted considerable negative publicity over the past few years due to the high number of incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“This has included loud noise, drunken behaviour, the use of drugs as well as street violence. I am led to believe that one of the main reasons that the former owners of the holiday rentals decided to sell up was due to the large number of complaints from guests over the late-night activities originating from the aforementioned nightclub.

“I have also received a number of complaints from local residents living in the vicinity about anti-social behaviour originating from the nightclub and having a detrimental effect on the neighbourhood.”

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Rhys Jordan said: “These properties were considered for purchase by this council, withdrawn at the last moment, I assume around some of the planning conditions in place. I get the feeling this change of use is solely to allow the sale potentially to this council; if that’s a reason that’s absolutely fine but I don’t buy it’s going to bring a much-needed supply of flats in Pembroke.”

He asked if the council had an interest in the scheme, but was told the initial interest several years before had not been progressed.

He went on to say: “The social housing element of this council are not interested in these properties, that leaves very few options going forward. Given the luxury nature of these flats, I’d imagine they have a high rent; are we opening up a can of worms for the future? It’s like the OK Corral down there on a Friday or a Saturday night, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to pay the rent there.”

He warned any potential change to social housing would lead to “potentially vulnerable people” housed “in what is basically a sketchy area”.

“I’m not going to support it,” said Cllr Jordan, adding: “I think we’re opening a can of worms that could cause significant problems for the town in the future.”

After approval was moved by Cllr Brian Hall, new committee chair Cllr Mark Carter stressed: “We have to determine the application in front of us; if people want to live next to a nightclub that is their choice.”

The application was passed by 11 votes to one, with one abstention.

Community

Cllr marks 10th blood donation and urges others to give blood

Published

7 hours ago

May 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has urged more people to become blood donors after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Cllr Thomas Tudor said he was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged anyone who is able to donate to come forward.

He said: “If you can give blood, please do so.”

The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals in Wales need around 350 blood donations every day to support patients in need.

A single donation can help up to three patients, as blood can be separated into different components and used in different ways to help people recover.

The service is calling for donors from all backgrounds, including first-time donors and those who have given blood before, to help maintain supplies for hospitals across Wales.

Giving blood is described as quick, simple and safe, and remains one of the most important ways members of the public can help save lives.

Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252 266, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, or Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They can also email [email protected].

Caption:

Cllr Thomas Tudor giving blood after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Community

Tenby lifeboats called out five times in ‘exceptionally busy’ week

Published

20 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Volunteer RNLI crews dealt with reports of people cut off by the tide, a vessel with engine failure and a possible kitesurfer in difficulty

TENBY lifeboat crews have been called out five times in a week, dealing with a series of incidents around the south Pembrokeshire coast.

The latest launch came just before 5:30pm on Sunday (May 3), when the inshore lifeboat was sent to Monkstone Point following a report that people may have been cut off by the tide.

As the volunteer crew arrived on scene, it was confirmed that the people were fishing and did not require assistance. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

The call-out was the station’s fifth shout of the week.

On Friday (May 1), the all-weather lifeboat launched shortly after 10:00am after the occupants of a 21ft pleasure boat reported engine failure between Lydstep and Giltar.

The lifeboat arrived around ten minutes later and found the vessel at risk of drifting onto rocks. The crew decided the safest option was to tow it back to Saundersfoot.

With the tide out, the vessel was moored in the bay and those on board were taken ashore using the lifeboat’s Y-boat, where they were met by Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team. The lifeboat returned to station at 11:25am.

On Wednesday (Apr 29), the inshore lifeboat was launched shortly after 4:30pm after a report that a kitesurfer appeared to be in difficulty between Tenby and Caldey Island. The crew searched the reported area and extended the search towards Giltar Point, but no one in difficulty was found.

Earlier in the week, both Tenby lifeboats were launched at 6:15pm on Monday (Apr 27) after a report that two people may have been cut off by the tide at Gilman Point, near Pendine.

The all-weather lifeboat arrived first, with choppy conditions slowing the inshore lifeboat. Coastguard rescue team members on the cliffs above directed the crew to two people on rocks.

The Y-boat was launched and the pair confirmed they were in difficulty. They were taken aboard and brought ashore at Pendine, where Coastguards were waiting. The inshore lifeboat also collected the casualties’ bags before returning them ashore.

The busy week came as three Tenby RNLI volunteers — Eddie, Alice and Jack — successfully completed their ALB tier one pass-out on Sunday.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI congratulated the trio, saying: “Well done guys.”

Community

Whitland street food festival draws thousands for biggest event yet

Published

22 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Record crowds, live music and over 100 traders make bank holiday celebration a major success

THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Whitland on Sunday (May 3) as the Whitland Street Food Festival returned to Parc Dr Owen for what organisers described as its biggest and best event to date.

The annual festival, organised by Together Hendygwyn Gyda’n Gilydd CIC, brought together food traders, performers and community groups from across West Wales, with strong ticket sales suggesting attendance in the thousands.

Record scale and strong turnout

More than 30 street food vendors and over 80 market stalls filled the site, offering everything from Welsh produce and artisan goods to international cuisine, sweet treats and speciality drinks.

A large big-top tent provided covered seating for festivalgoers, while crowds gathered across the field to enjoy live music, entertainment and family attractions throughout the day.

Pre-event figures suggested over 1,300 tickets had already been sold, with some estimates rising closer to 1,800 — continuing the festival’s growth as a major regional attraction.

***Hit attraction: The Queen Hall’s famous cheese stall was at the event***

Music and entertainment headline the day

The event featured a full programme of live performances, culminating in a headline DJ set from BBC Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin.

Local acts also played a central role, with performances from 4th Street, The Western Shires, P’tcheaow, The Home Shores and Just Dylan. Community groups including Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Whitland & District Male Choir also took to the stage.

Visitors were entertained beyond the music, with live circus shows and interactive activities from Big Top Mania, alongside a popular hot wing challenge.

Family focus and community spirit

The festival placed a strong emphasis on being family-friendly, with a free bouncy castle, inflatable assault course and dedicated toddler area attracting younger visitors.

Across the site, a mix of families, groups and visitors from neighbouring counties created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with many staying into the evening as entertainment continued.

Pure West Radio broadcast live from the event, interviewing traders, performers and attendees, capturing what many described as a “buzzing” and “fantastic” day.

***The event had a carnival atmosphere (Pic: Pure West Radio)***

Supporting local business and causes

Organisers said the festival was designed to celebrate local food, businesses and community spirit, while supporting independent traders and raising funds or awareness for local causes.

Charity presence on the day included Wales Air Ambulance, which hosted an awareness stand alongside the commercial stalls.

Whitland, a small Carmarthenshire town, has seen the festival grow into a key annual event, drawing visitors from across West Wales and providing a boost to the local economy.

Looking ahead

With strong attendance, a packed programme and widespread community involvement, the 2026 festival is expected to build further momentum for future events.

Organisers are likely to review this year’s success as they look ahead to an even bigger return in 2027.