Crime

Controversial Parc Prison expansion approved despite safety and traffic fears

Published

6 months ago

November 17, 2025

Hundreds of extra inmates and 160 new staff planned for troubled Bridgend jail

CONTROVERSIAL plans to expand the troubled Parc Prison – which houses many inmates from Pembrokeshire – have been approved by Bridgend County Borough Council, despite strong opposition from residents living near the privately-run facility.

The proposal, approved by councillors in November, will see a new “K-shaped” house-block constructed on the south-west of the site to accommodate an additional 345 inmates. The development will also require 160 extra staff, significantly increasing daily traffic movements on surrounding roads.

HMP Parc, located in Coity, Bridgend, opened in 1997 and is operated by G4S. The category B prison already holds 1,670 inmates and employs 676 staff, and has faced long-standing criticism over safety, drug use, violence, and management practices.

Major redevelopment at the site

The application was submitted by Galliford Try Construction Ltd on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. In addition to the new accommodation block and associated boundary wall changes, the scheme includes:

A replacement kitchen and dining block
A new gym
A new multi-faith building
A new education block
A redesigned visitor and staff entrance
Additional car parking and site infrastructure

A planning report presented to councillors said the expansion forms part of a UK-wide programme to increase prison capacity, adding: “It is expected that this proposal will future-proof HMP Parc for the foreseeable future.”

Strong objections from local residents

The application received a significant number of objections from residents in Coity and the wider area. Concerns included:

Increased traffic and congestion, particularly along Heol Spencer
Noise disturbance from the expanded facility
Ongoing safety worries following multiple reports of drones being flown over the prison
Individuals allegedly “loitering” in nearby streets looking for access routes into the prison grounds

Residents also raised broader concerns about the prison’s troubled reputation and the impact of further expansion on the community.

Councillors raise concerns over access and safety

At the planning meeting, Cllr Amanda Williams said people in Coity understood that expansion was inevitable but argued that the community needed meaningful mitigation measures, particularly around traffic management and safe walking routes for visitors.

Cllrs Ian Williams and Simon Griffiths echoed these concerns, highlighting the dangers for pedestrians who currently have to cross a busy dual carriageway to access public transport near the Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Highways officers told the meeting that many issues raised were “pre-existing” and could not be considered in relation to the new application. They added that developing a pedestrian route from the Sainsbury’s bus stops would be difficult because the land is privately owned.

However, officers recommended approval, noting that the applicant had agreed to a “reasonable contribution” towards traffic mitigation and that the urgent need to increase capacity outweighed the negative impacts.

Mitigation measures promised

A representative for the applicant said noise and drone-related issues would be mitigated by installing new windows and enhanced surveillance technology. Conditions would also require additional tree planting to screen nearby homes from the expanded site.

They added that the project would create “substantial economic benefits”, including around 160 new, well-paid jobs for the Bridgend area.

By Lewis Smith – Local Democracy Reporter

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.