News

Vacant council seat sparks tensions over racism concerns in Haverfordwest

Published

7 months ago

August 8, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has rejected accusations that it left a vacant seat unfilled to avoid addressing concerns about racism, following the decision not to co-opt a prospective councillor.

Earlier this year, the council co-opted Reform UK member Cllr Scott Thorley to fill a vacancy. A more recent opening, created by another resignation, prompted local businesswoman Elaine Gunning to apply — but her bid was voted down nine to three on 17 July.

In her introduction to councillors, Ms Gunning criticised the earlier co-option of Cllr Thorley, who had stood as a Reform UK candidate in county council elections. She told members she was “concerned” the council had chosen someone from “a notoriously racist political party” and said she believed the seat was now being left vacant “rather than acknowledge community concerns of racism.”

Ms Gunning, who is supported by West Wales Stand Up to Racism, later said: “It appeared the council was disinterested in diversity of opinions, preferring to protect their decision to co-opt a rejected Reform candidate. Reform was transparent in their intention to disband the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan 2024 and end the Wales Nation of Sanctuary Plan. It was therefore incredulous that a Reform candidate would be co-opted when the party he stood for directly opposed the council’s stated intentions.”

Cllr Thorley dismissed the criticism, saying: “Haverfordwest Town Council is not political — we are there for the people of Haverfordwest. Elaine was there for me, not the town. Her group has constantly harassed me for no good reason other than a party I represented in February. The vote was by secret ballot, based on councillors’ opinions on the night. I suspect she lost the vote by making it political and should respect democracy. To accuse the town council of protecting their decision is bonkers.”

In a statement, Haverfordwest Town Council stressed it is “not affiliated with any political party” and that councillors “are entitled to hold personal political views, provided they act within the law and adhere to the council’s code of conduct.”

The council said Ms Gunning’s application was “strong in many respects” but that opening with a “firmly directed criticism of a sitting councillor” might not have aligned with its efforts to promote “respectful collaboration and unity.” It also pointed out that other candidates over the years had failed to secure co-option.

The statement added that Cllr Thorley “continues to play a positive and active role” in supporting the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan 2024, and that vacancies in both Prendergast and Priory wards remain open to applicants.

Crime

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

Published

6 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

6 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

7 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.