Community

New joint approach to tackle anti-social behaviour in Pembrokeshire

Published

6 months ago

June 16, 2025

A GROUNDBREAKING partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council and local housing association Ateb Group has been launched in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour (ASB) and reduce its impact on communities.

In what is believed to be the first initiative of its kind in Wales, the Council has formally delegated powers to named ateb Housing Coordinators, enabling them to issue Community Protection Notices (CPNs) under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of disruptive and criminal conduct, including noise nuisance, verbal abuse, fly-tipping, and drug misuse. Tackling these issues has traditionally involved multiple agencies, including the police, local authorities, and social landlords, each with their own roles and responsibilities.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection Service has been using CPNs for the past six years to tackle persistent problems such as excessive noise, irresponsible dog ownership and waste accumulation. With many complaints involving tenants in social housing, the Council sought to empower ateb’s staff to act directly.

Under the new arrangement, trained ateb officers will be able to issue CPN warning letters – the first step in the process – and, with authorisation, full CPNs. Final decisions on prosecutions for non-compliance will remain with the Council.

Councillor Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, welcomed the move. He said: “This is all part of the Council’s commitment to help residents maintain their tenancies and foster respectful communities.

“By granting ateb officers the authority to act, we are extending the reach of our community safety work and improving the speed and effectiveness of early interventions before issues escalate.”

ateb Executive Director Mark Lewis added: “ateb is committed to ensuring that our customers live in safe, stable, and secure environments. Having delegated authority allows our team to take proactive steps at an early stage and work more closely with our partners at the Council and Dyfed-Powys Police.”

Before a CPN can be issued, a warning letter must first be approved by the Council or police. Prosecution decisions will also remain under Council control. The move was approved by Cabinet in November, with assurance that all named ateb officers have received appropriate training and that oversight arrangements are in place.

The new partnership is expected to lead to faster, more targeted action in dealing with ASB across the county.

Photo caption:
Working together: Paul Rees and Tara Evans from PCC’s Public Health team with ateb Housing Coordinators Daria Osmalak and Gareth Jackson (Pic: PCC).

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.