News

Premier Inn ‘arsonist’ remanded in custody

Published

10 years ago

January 21, 2015

A 26-YEAR-OLD Narberth woman has been remanded in custody, charged with causing the fire at the Premier Inn hotel in Haverfordwest on Sunday morning, as well as other offences.

Gina Tranter of Redstone Court, Narberth, gave no indication of plea when she confirmed her name and address at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning (Jan 21).

Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard Jones explained the CPS case: “The defendant went to the Hunt Ball in Haverfordwest with her boyfriend on Saturday night, the boy had not paid her much attention and she felt rejected. They went back to the Premier Inn where they were staying. The boyfriend shut the door and wouldn’t let her into the room. Following that, she went down to reception. She was drunk. We believe that she may have taken cocaine as well.”

Remanded in custody: Tina Tranter is accused of arson

The prosecutor continued: “The hotel receptionist wanted her to leave the hotel so the police were called. The police attended and drove her home. She got home and took the keys to her mother’s car. She went into her garage and got a can of petrol. She then drove back to Haverfordwest and sent a text to her boyfriend saying ‘you’ll be sorry’.

Mr Pritchard Jones said: “On arriving back at the hotel, she went to one of the external fire doors and poured the petrol onto the facia of the door and she set it alight with a cigarette lighter. There were 133 guests in the premier inn. There was one person who was staying the hotel who was trained in firefighting. He got some equipment and put the fire out. The incident was recorded on CCTV. It is clear that it is the defendant who set the fire.”

He added: “She made a call to a friend of hers, Mr. Evans, at 6.32am. She called her friend saying: ‘I have poured petrol on the Premier Inn, I am in deep trouble. I have got to go on the run.'”

The court heard that the defendant is of clean character with no previous convictions or cautions.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt Tranter was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court on January 27.

Tranter is facing four charges in total. Arson when reckless as to whether life could be endangered, taking a vehicle without consent, driving a vehicle with no insurance and failing to provide a breath test.

Business

Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation

Published

45 mins ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.

Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.

For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.

Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”

Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.

News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

Published

49 mins ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

Pembrokeshire County Council
Police and Crime Commissioner
Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP

News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.

Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.

Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”