News

Ceredigion defends 20mph zones amid fresh criticism from Pembrokeshire residents

Published

9 months ago

June 10, 2025

No changes planned after review finds speed limits align with safety guidance

CEREDIGION County Council has confirmed that no changes will be made to its 20mph speed limits following a detailed review prompted by new Welsh Government guidance and public feedback.

The council reviewed 34 road sections across the county, evaluating them against updated criteria issued in 2024 for making exceptions to the national 20mph policy. These criteria include proximity to schools, medical facilities, community centres, and the density of homes and shops along affected routes.

Between May and September 2024, the council received 62 submissions during its ‘listening phase’. Of these, 23 supported the new limits, 20 called for changes to the national policy, 16 objected to 20mph zones on specific county roads, eight related to trunk roads outside the council’s control, and three were deemed irrelevant.

Councillor Shelley Childs, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services, said: “The review was an opportunity to assess how closely the guidance from the Welsh Government was applied on county roads in Ceredigion. Collision data recently released by the police and the Welsh Government suggests that the national change to the speed limit does seem to be reducing casualties on roads across Wales.”

He added that while some dissenting voices remain, the correspondence also showed support for safer streets, particularly near schools and residential areas.

The review did not include trunk roads such as the A487 and A44, which are managed directly by the Welsh Government.

Pembrokeshire latest: growing local anger over enforcement and fairness

In neighbouring Pembrokeshire, criticism of the 20mph policy has resurfaced following recent enforcement actions and growing calls for a more flexible approach. The Herald understands that several town and community councils, including Haverfordwest and Tenby, are preparing motions asking the county council to reconsider specific zones introduced under the national rollout.

Campaigners in Milford Haven and Neyland argue that the blanket restrictions are not suitable for wider, well-lit distributor roads, and should be eased in locations where pedestrian footfall is low.

Pembrokeshire County Council is expected to carry out its own review later this summer. However, internal documents seen by The Herald suggest that any proposed changes will have to comply strictly with the same Welsh Government guidance used by Ceredigion.

Meanwhile, Conservative Senedd members have pledged to reverse the 20mph law entirely if elected to government, while Plaid Cymru and Labour maintain it is essential for reducing road deaths and encouraging active travel.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

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

Published

18 hours 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.