News
Wind farm plans turned down
DEVELOPERS have expressed their deep disappointment at the decision of the County Council’s Planning Committee to reject an application for the erection of five wind turbines near Rhoscrowther.
Rhoscrowther Wind Farm, which marks an overall capital investment of £17m, was refused by the Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee on Tuesday January 20.
The decision follows a recommendation to refuse by Pembrokeshire County Council Planners.
Despite the Council’s own landscape consultant stating that they consider the scheme to be broadly acceptable and no objections from statutory consultees including CADW, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, the refusal has been made on grounds of historic environment as well as landscape and visual impact.
The developer, Rhoscrowther Wind Farm Limited has drawn attention to the findings of the Council’s own landscape consultant, who said: “On balance, however I would still consider this scheme to be broadly acceptable but would be wary of ensuring that this would not set a precedent for further similar development… Should the scheme be refused and go to an appeal, I consider it could be difficult to contest on landscape and visual grounds.”
Steven Radford of Rhoscrowther Wind Farm Ltd commented: “I’m obviously disappointed with the Committee’s decisions to reject our project, however we are confident that not only is Rhoscrowther Wind Farm a suitable and appropriate development with regard to substantial national (PPW), local (Local Plan) and site specific (SPG) policy support for turbines in this location but also one which provides significant economic and social benefits to an area in great need of both. Since submitting our application we have worked hard to engage the local community and wider stakeholders including the South Wales Chamber of Commerce and Pembrokeshire College. If consented, we made the commitment to front-end the last five years of the project’s community benefit, which has allowed for approximately £300,000 being made available as soon as construction begins. This will help fund capital projects brought forward by local community groups, such as the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club.”
Rhoscrowther Wind Farm is committed to providing £1.56m for local community projects if it is granted planning consent. This means that £62,500 will be made available each year once the project is in construction for local community groups to apply for.
Local resident, Paul Barnikel stated: “I am perhaps the closest resident to the scheme with my house looking directly onto the site of the proposed wind farm. Even then I have no objection towards the project whatsoever and in fact fully support it. What better place for a wind farm than one in front of an oil refinery?”
Addressing Tuesday’s meeting, local resident Keith Bradley pointed out that a similar scheme had been previously rejected by the Planning Inspectorate as having an unacceptable visual impact on the environment: “Five 110 metre turbines placed on this site is a vast increase on the development that was previously rejected. The same criteria should apply here.”
Quoting from the manifesto of County lClr John Allen-Mirehouse, Mr Bradley continued by pointing out the content of Mr Mirehouse’s manifesto in 2012’s election when he stated that the visual impact of the development that was rejected was ‘so great, we must turn it down.’”
Before he could further develop the theme of just how dramatically and mysteriously Mr Mirehouse’s views had changed, Mr Bradley was cut off.
Crime
Two arrested after Tenby station stabbings released on bail
Investigation continues after four teenagers were injured in late-night railway station violence
TWO people arrested after four teenagers were stabbed during violence at Tenby railway station have been released on bail while police continue their investigation.
British Transport Police are leading the inquiry into the incident, which happened at around 9:50pm on Tuesday (Apr 7). Officers were called to reports of disorder involving a group of youths at the station.

Four teenagers, aged between 13 and 17 and all from the Pembroke area, suffered stab wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment. Police have since confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing, and that all four have now been discharged.
A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. Both have now been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police said they believe the incident was isolated, but there will be an increased officer presence in the area to reassure the public.
Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the violence, or saw what happened in the lead-up to it, to get in touch. They have also asked members of the public not to speculate online or share footage while the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 916 of Apr 7.
News
Plaid Cymru sets out childcare, NHS and child poverty pledges in 2026 manifesto
Rhun ap Iorwerth’s party says plan is radical and fully costed as it bids to lead next Welsh government
PLAID CYMRU has launched its manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out a programme focused on childcare, health, education and tackling child poverty as the party seeks to convince voters it is ready for government.
With opinion polls suggesting Plaid could be in contention for its strongest ever Senedd result, the party is presenting itself as a serious alternative administration under leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.

Rather than putting major constitutional change at the centre of the campaign, Plaid’s manifesto concentrates heavily on public services and living standards. While the party continues to support Welsh independence, it is not proposing an independence referendum during a first term in government.
Instead, Plaid says it would establish a national commission for Wales, with a budget of £500,000, to examine future constitutional options including further devolution and the foundations for a future white paper on independence.
On education, Plaid is promising to widen access to free school meals. The party says it would extend free meals to year seven to 11 pupils in households receiving Universal Credit, with no income cap. It is also pledging new incentives to attract teachers and says it wants to strengthen Welsh-medium education.

However, questions remain over whether enough Welsh-speaking staff could be recruited to support the scale of expansion Plaid is proposing across childcare and education.
The party is also promising a review of the Curriculum for Wales, alongside clearer guidance for teachers, in what appears to be an acknowledgement of continuing concern about how the reforms are working in practice.
In health, Plaid says it wants to cut waiting times, although the manifesto itself does not contain a detailed overall target. Rhun ap Iorwerth has said that under a Plaid-led government no-one would be waiting two years for treatment within the first year, with wider waiting lists brought back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of a Senedd term.
The manifesto also says Plaid would consider “all options” for reforming Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in north Wales, leaving open the possibility of structural change at Wales’ largest health board.
On higher education, Plaid says it would prioritise a review of universities and their funding amid growing financial pressure in the sector. The party says it wants to ensure more Welsh government spending on higher education remains in Wales.
The manifesto also proposes refocusing the Seren programme towards Welsh universities and boosting participation from disadvantaged communities. Critics, however, may argue that such a move risks narrowing options for the most academically able students.
Housing and tourism policy also feature prominently. Plaid says it will review the effectiveness of current second homes and self-catering holiday let rules, including the controversial requirement for holiday lets to be rented out for at least 182 days a year to avoid being treated as second homes for council tax purposes.
That rule has been defended by those concerned about housing shortages in tourism hotspots, but it has come under strong criticism from tourism operators who say it is harming local businesses.
Plaid is also proposing to explore a Welsh child payment of £10 a week for children under six in families receiving Universal Credit. The idea would begin as a pilot scheme aimed at addressing child poverty.
But there are doubts over how easily such a scheme could be delivered, given that Wales does not have the same benefits powers as Scotland, where a similar payment already exists. Any full rollout could depend on cooperation from the UK government.
Taken together, the manifesto suggests Plaid Cymru is trying to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base, offering a platform centred less on constitutional change and more on bread-and-butter issues such as health, schools, housing and family finances.
Whether that approach is enough to persuade voters Plaid is ready to run Wales may prove one of the defining questions of the 2026 election campaign.
Charity
Drive care forward: Help keep end-of-life care moving in Pembrokeshire
PAUL SARTORI Hospice at Home is calling on the community to help keep end-of-life care moving across Pembrokeshire as it launches an urgent appeal to fund a replacement for its essential Equipment Loan Van.
The appeal, which went live on Friday, April 10, 2026, will run until December 1, 2026, with the aim of raising £40,000 to replace the vital vehicle and safeguard the future of the service.
Every day, families across the county face some of the hardest moments of their lives while living with terminal illness or saying goodbye to a loved one. Paul Sartori Hospice at Home believes everyone deserves dignity, comfort and choice at the end of life, and its Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in making that possible.
At the heart of this service is the charity’s van, which delivers essential equipment free of charge directly to people’s homes. From hospital-style beds and wheelchairs to commodes and pressure-relieving mattresses, these items enable patients to remain in familiar surroundings, close to the people they love.
The service often responds on the same day, ensuring urgent needs are met quickly. By providing the right equipment at the right time, the team helps prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and supports faster hospital discharges, giving people the chance to spend precious time at home.
Beyond deliveries, the team also shows families how to use the equipment, supports safe transfers where needed, and fills critical gaps that statutory services are unable to meet. For many people, this service provides something truly invaluable: dignity, independence and comfort during end-of-life care.
However, the current Equipment Loan Van is now reaching the end of its working life, putting this lifeline service at risk. To continue operating safely and efficiently across Pembrokeshire, the charity urgently needs to replace it with a reliable, roadworthy vehicle.
Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, said: “This van is essential to the care we provide. Every day, we see the difference it makes, helping people return home from hospital, supporting families to care for loved ones, and making sure patients can remain where they feel most comfortable.
“It is not just about delivering equipment; it is about delivering dignity and choice at the end of life. Without a reliable van, we simply cannot respond as quickly or effectively as people need us to.”
The charity is encouraging individuals, businesses and community groups to get involved and support the appeal. Donations of all sizes will help ensure that no one in Pembrokeshire has to face the end of life without the care and equipment they need.
To support the campaign and help fund a new Equipment Loan Van, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/equipmentloanvan

-
News7 days agoAccommodation providers in Wales will be required to register under new law
-
Crime2 days agoFour youths stabbed at Tenby railway station as two arrested
-
News5 days agoEluned Morgan targets Haverfordwest as Welsh Labour fights to hold its ground
-
Community5 days agoJohnston FC pays tribute after sudden death of Rhyan Nolan, 27
-
News3 days agoHaverfordwest County AFC faces High Court winding-up threat from HMRC
-
Local Government3 days agoBridge works on Neyland-Burton road to continue into late April
-
News7 days agoCarol Vorderman urges Welsh voters to reject Reform UK ahead of Senedd election
-
Business7 days agoCalls for award-winning Pembrokeshire sauna to be permanent









