News

Sainsbury’s gets the green light

Published

11 years ago

February 5, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Local eyesore: To be replaced by new retail unit.

CONTROVERSIAL plans to for the development of a new retail unit in Narberth have been given the green light by Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC).

In a planning meeting of this week the application, put forward by Abbeymore Estates, was voted for unanimously by the county councillors as the fight by Narberth traders to prevent a Sainsbury’s convenience store opening seems to have failed.

Speaking on behalf of the developers, Gareth Davies spoke to the committee, saying: “We made a successful in bid in October 2013 and our success was based on the quality of the scheme in conjunction with the Authority. The aspirations of the Authority were to turn the partly derelict school into a high quality mixed retail and residential development. The key words are vitality and commercial strength which are our guiding principles in order to revitalise the northern end of town providing colour and visual interest. The scheme is of a high quality using traditional materials to compliment the local townscape and conservation area. The access route-way will be enhanced with a new and reconfigured car park that will improve existing provision, replacing the temporary parking with 50 permanent spaces. The retail units have been designed to meet the aspirations of Narberth’s niche retail offer, but more aligned with the demands of 21st century retail. It has been done in accordance with PCC planning strategy and with the planning department and other local departments.”

Gordon Barry was due to comment on behalf of the Narberth Future Forum (NFF) group, objecting to the proposals, but had to pass his statement over to Town Councillor Moorcross, after health issues forced him to leave the proceedings. In summary the statement read that there were apprehensions with regards to the development, chiefly the concern of the loss of parking. The NFF said that the developer says there would be a net loss of 20 spaces, but that that didn’t take into account additional parking demand for employees of the new retail park. The statement went on to say that parking was at a premium in Narberth and there needed to be additional parking and this demand should be addressed. The statement also said that the current mix of independent shops was not enhanced from the proposed retail development. The NFF also raised concerns over the loss of the old playground area, currently a temporary parking area, that has, it said, been enjoyed by the community for events and festivals over many years.

Town Councillor Moorcross then spoke himself on behalf of the town stating that there had been just one presentation to the Town Council from the developers in April of 2014 and that no meaningful consultation or true dialogue had taken place since then. He further stated that Narberth offered a renowned ‘quality shopping experience’, and that this new development would take away the ‘essence’ that he said presently exists. He finished by stating that a local Sainsbury’s could not be described as ‘small’ if it had a floor area of 4000 square metres and was offering the same fare as local stores, stating this would not be ‘complimentary’ to the town’s current retail provision.

Narberth County Councillor, Wynne Evans, spoke in favour of the application, stating: “I am very proud of Narberth and what has been achieved there over many years. We have an old school building – empty for 5 years – which is a source for vandalism and graffiti. It’s not good for the town, it’s frowned upon and it’s right at the entrance to Narberth. The housing allocation provides 14 affordable houses for people with a local connection who live in Narberth. They need to be in the town and have their children go to school in the town. There are lots of opportunities to look at possibilities of new sites in Narberth (in relation to extra parking) and to move forward and work together. We must invest in the future and in Narberth. I am looking for a small supermarket with some retail units and housing, and I have put together, in the last few weeks, a new working party. Narberth is growing and growing, but we must move forward.”

Simon Montgomery, opinions editor at ‘OneNarberth’, an independent community platform for the town, said after the result: “The development will mark the most significant re-alignment of the town for a generation. The issue at stake with regard to the development is the question of accountability. I agree with what Gordon Barry, the secretary of the Narberth Future Forum has said. He explained his dismay about the lack of any community consultation. From talking to a number of key stakeholders in the town today, it is clear that along with dismay, there is also a degree of shock about the outcome of the development process. Perhaps a legal challenge will now follow. Exactly what will happen next is yet to be seen. The majority of people that I have talked to today about the matter agree that what seems certain is that the voice of the town will now be heard. What is remarkable, given the significance of the development to the town and its future, is that there has been no public consultation of any description.”

News

Bowen trainers fined after racehorse drug test failures

Published

11 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Herald Sport

Letterston racing family at centre of BHA ruling as two winners are disqualified

TWO Pembrokeshire horse trainers from Letterston have been fined £5,000 after two racehorses failed post-race drug tests, leading to both animals being stripped of race victories.

Peter and Mickey Bowen, father and brother of champion jockey Sean Bowen, appeared before a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel on Thursday (May 28).

The father-and-son training partnership was operating under the same licence at the time of the positive tests, although Mickey Bowen has been the sole licence holder since May 2025.

The pair were fined £4,000 for breaching Rule (K)2.2, which states that no category B substance may be present in a horse’s system on the day it is engaged to run.

They were also fined a further £1,000 for breaching Rule (D)24, which requires trainers to keep clear and accurate records of medication given to horses in their care within 48 hours of treatment.

Two horses disqualified

The disciplinary action relates to Flying Fortune and Olivers Travels, both of which have now been disqualified from wins in 2024.

Flying Fortune has been stripped of victory in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on Friday (Oct 11, 2024).

The race is regarded as one of the key early contests of the National Hunt season, and the win had been a major success for the Bowen yard.

Racing reports at the time described it as a family affair, with Flying Fortune trained by Peter and Mickey Bowen and ridden by James Bowen. The mare was sent off 2/1 favourite and won by seven-and-a-half lengths.

However, a post-race urine sample later revealed the presence of procaine, a local anaesthetic.

The race has now been awarded to Intense Approach, trained by John McConnell.

Second winner loses race

Olivers Travels has also been disqualified from a 2m7f handicap chase at Worcester on Wednesday (Aug 21, 2024).

A post-race urine sample revealed the presence of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammation or allergic reactions.

That race has now been awarded to Galloping Pride, trained by Emma Lavelle.

The BHA said the case was dealt with by way of a plea agreement approved by the independent disciplinary panel.

A BHA statement said: “Following this morning’s hearing before the independent Disciplinary Panel, the Panel has approved a Plea Agreement.

“The penalty for breaching Rule (K)2.2 is a £4,000 fine and (D)24 a £1,000 fine.

“The two horses involved, Olivers Travels (IRE) and Flying Fortune (IRE), will be disqualified from their respective races at Worcester on 21 August 2024 and Chepstow on 11 October 2024.”

The ruling does not suggest any wrongdoing by the jockeys involved. The disciplinary action was directed at the trainers over the presence of prohibited substances on race day and failures in medication record keeping.

Charity

The Salvation Army in Tenby celebrates 140 years of service

Published

12 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WEEKEND EVENTS TO MARK LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY

THE SALVATION ARMY in Tenby is celebrating 140 years of service to the town, with a weekend of music, worship and community events.

The church and charity was founded in Tenby in 1886, with its arrival described at the time in The Salvation Army’s magazine The War Cry as an “invading party”.

Although some locals were initially sceptical, the movement quickly became established and has remained a trusted presence in the town for generations.

Today, The Salvation Army in Tenby continues to offer practical help and support to vulnerable people, including emergency accommodation, employment counselling and food assistance. It also runs two weekly coffee mornings and Sunday worship.

Anniversary programme

Events begin on Saturday (May 30), with Tenby Band performing outside the hall from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, where refreshments will be available.

From 3:00pm to 4:00pm, the Divisional Fellowship Band will play at the harbour.

The main Saturday celebration will take place from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at St Mary’s Church, with an evening festival of music featuring the South and Mid Wales Fellowship Band and Wales Fellowship Chorus.

On Sunday (May 31), a morning service will be held at St Mary’s Church House at 10:30am.

This will be followed by an open-air meeting in Tudor Square from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, echoing The Salvation Army’s earliest tradition of outdoor preaching.

Senior leaders visit Tenby

The celebrations will also welcome two of The Salvation Army’s international leaders, Commissioner Edward Hill, Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

Commissioner Edward Hill said: “It will certainly be a celebration of faithful and compassionate service to a beautiful community dating back to the early days of the Movement.

“We anticipate being inspired not only by the rich heritage and ongoing ministry of The Salvation Army in Tenby, but also by its vision for the future, continuing, in the name of Jesus, to shine as a bright light and enduring source of hope for generations to come.”

Legacy of service

The Salvation Army has often stepped forward when Tenby and Pembrokeshire have needed support.

In 1996, following the Sea Empress disaster, when 72,000 tonnes of crude oil spilled off the Pembrokeshire coast, volunteers helped provide food and support to emergency workers in remote areas.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts, Divisional Commander for Wales, said: “The Salvation Army in Tenby has a lot to celebrate as it looks back on 140 years of service in the town and wider area.

“It is also important to recognise what it is doing today, offering a helping hand to all. I encourage the members to keep on doing that long into the future.”

Captain Clare Jones, who leads the church in Tenby, said: “We thank God for His faithfulness and for the continued mission through The Salvation Army here in Tenby.

“From its beginnings as an ‘invading party’ singing in the streets to its present role as a place of worship, welcome, and practical support, The Salvation Army continues to serve the community with compassion and hope.”

The Salvation Army in Tenby is based at Upper Park Road, Tenby, SA70 7LT. It can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or calling 01834 843537.

Community

Barcud Housing Assistant will walk over hot coals to raise funds for Charity

Published

12 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BARCUD Housing Assistant, Amanda Evans, is a brave ‘sole’ as she has agreed to do a Firewalk to help raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. The charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, relies entirely on public donations to keep both the rapid response vehicles and helicopters running.

The firewalk is a sponsored walk with a difference! It might be the shortest and hottest walk, but it takes strength of mind to complete the challenge of walking five metres, barefoot, over hot coals which reach temperatures of up to 800°C!

Amanda has never done a Firewalk before but last year she changed her mindset and since then the word ‘no’ hasn’t been in her vocabulary. She said, “Doing a Firewalk sounds awesome. I decided it would be a giggle to sign up on behalf of Barcud to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. Why not? It would be great to have a crowd at the Firewalk in Aberaeron to show support and cheer me on.”

Day to day Amanda works at Barcud’s office in Glyn Padarn, Aberystwyth. She works as part of a team with housing officers to provide support for tenants.

Barcud is based in mid and west Wales with a 300 strong workforce and 4,500 tenants. This is the group’s first year of fundraising for a specific charity and at the annual colleague conference last winter the majority were in favour of supporting a charity, that, like Barcud, helped and supported those living rurally.

Gail Windley, Wales Air Ambulance’s Events and Partnership Fundraiser said, “We’re delighted to be launching our firewalks this year on our special 25th anniversary year. Fundraisers will take on the ultimate challenge of walking over hot coals to helps save lives across Wales. This is a wonderful challenge aimed at all physical abilities and one that needs some courage.

“Walkers don’t need any previous experience to take part in the firewalk, as all the training will be provided on the day. We want to reiterate that this is not an activity to be tried at home and should only be done during a professionally organised event.

“The Charity relies on donations to continue to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraising events, like the firewalks, will help to continue this lifesaving service for the people of Wales. It will be an unforgettable day for the participants and their supporters.”

Amanda will be doing her Firewalk at Moody Meadows in Aberaeron from 6pm on Friday, 10th July 2026. Any donations to support Amanda, and Barcud reach its fundraising target of £5,000 would be very gratefully received. Click here to support Amanda online: https://firewalks.walesairambulance.com/amanda-evans