Tributes have been paid following the passing of a Pembrokeshire county councillor of nearly 30 years, who was “passionately devoted” to his hometown of Pembroke Dock.

Cllr Brian Hall joined Pembrokeshire County Council following a by-election in 1996, representing Pembroke Dock’s Market ward.

A long-standing councillor, Cllr Hall was also a representative on the RWE Npower Pembroke Power Station and Valero Liaison Committee.

Cllr Hall had also represented the Authority on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny Committee.

He was an active member of a number of Pembrokeshire County Council scrutiny committees and the planning committee.

He previously sat on the Cabinet, from its inception in 2002 until March 2007 and between 2012 and 2022, he chaired several Overview and Scrutiny Committees including Environment, Services and Corporate.

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “We were all very sad to hear of Cllr Brian Hall’s death.

“I pass on the condolences of everyone at the council to his family and many friends.

“Brian was a council stalwart and had been working for, and demanding better, for his constituents for nearly 30 years.

“His enthusiasm for his home patch was unmatched and there was little of Pembroke Dock’s history that he could not tell you about. The loss of Brian from the chamber will be felt by all members of council across the board.”

Independent Group Leader Cllr Anji Tinley expressed heartfelt condolences, stating: “The loss of Cllr Hall profoundly saddens us. He was a well-respected figure known for his dedication and commitment to local governance and his community.

“His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, and we will dearly miss him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Presiding Member of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Simon Hancock said: “I am greatly saddened by the sudden passing of Councillor Brian Hall who was a member of the authority for nearly 30 years.

“Brian was a larger-than-life character who was passionately devoted to Pembroke Dock and his constituents. He never let an opportunity pass without mentioning and advancing the interests of his hometown. We extend sincere condolences to his family.”

Pembroke Dock Town council added: “It’s with great sadness to hear of the passing of our county and town councillor Brian Hall.

“Brian served his Ward of Pembroke Dock as a County Council for 30 years with passion and pride and he will be missed by many.”

Mayor of Pembroke Dock Cllr Michele Wiggins said: “It is very sad news and I extend my condolences to everyone who knew Brian. He was a hard working county councillor and town councillor for many years. There wasn’t much of Pembroke Dock’s history he didn’t know. He will be sadly missed.”

Fellow county councillor Cllr Rhys Jordan also paid tribute: “I was very saddened to hear of Brian’s passing over the weekend. He was a lovable rogue with a heart of gold.

“If anything, his greatest flaw was trying to help everyone, something that truly defined the kind of man he was. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of Pembroke Dock and could captivate you for hours with his stories, whether about the town itself or his business links in Ireland.

“Brian was deeply dedicated to his role and was almost always the first to arrive in the members room, often there by 7am. That quiet commitment spoke volumes about his character.

“Above all, he was a devoted husband, and my thoughts are with his wife, family, and many friends at this incredibly difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

A CONTENTIOUS trial scheme Pembrokeshire council trial scheme for an overnight motorhome and campervan parking site close to Fishguard’s ferry has now got underway.

A trial scheme for overnight motorhome parking facilities at the Goodwick Moor car park, The Parrog, was mooted back in 2024 after a February 2024 council Cabinet-backed trial scheme for ‘Pembs Stop’ campervan and motorhomes facilities at four car parks was later dropped.

It had initially been agreed that car parks at North Beach, Tenby; Goodwick Moor, Goodwick; Townsmoor, Narberth; and Western Way, Pembroke Dock would form the trial areas operating year-round at £10 a night for a trial 18-month period, with the intention not to create ‘campsites’.

That planned trial received national coverage, even seeing a discussion on a phone-in programme on BBC Radio Wales.

Local tourism businesses had said the proposals will harm them, and concerns about the trial were also raised by the official tourism industry group for Pembrokeshire, Visit Pembrokeshire.

That scheme was later dropped following opposition, instead an overnight trial stopover facility for motorhomes at Goodwick Moor car park, linked to the ferry port mooted; a later planning application approved back in July 2025 despite objections from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council.

In the last few days Pembrokeshire County Council announced the two-year trial was now in operation, with a £10 cost of staying overnight, a maximum of one night allowed along with other restrictions.

One of those reacting to the scheme’s launch was Fishguard North West councillor Steve Hughes, who said: “I’m pleased to see this initiative finally up and running, but it doesn’t go far enough in my opinion to offer the services expected from the rapidly increasing ‘vanlife’ community.

“Whether on holiday or permanently touring, this is a financial resource many towns should be looking to take advantage of.

“This isn’t as some may fear competition for established campsites but a new set of customers looking for a safe overnight park up who wouldn’t otherwise choose a campsite, but park in lay-byes and other unregulated areas. I look forward to seeing how this trial period works and hope that further services can be added in future.”

Council officers will monitor the site and review the scheme once the trial period is completed.

A HAVERFORDWEST fish and chip shop has been left with a hefty repair bill after a group of youths allegedly targeted the premises in a late-night incident.

Coronation Chippy said it was attacked on Saturday (Apr 26), when a “bunch of kids” spent around 15 minutes throwing stones at the shop’s windows and doors. The business reported that the glass canopy at the front of the shop was smashed during the incident, leaving debris scattered outside.

In a social media post, the owners described the damage as costing “£1000s of pounds” and said the incident had caused distress not only to staff but also to neighbouring businesses.

They said: “Unfortunately, our business was a target to thugs yesterday. A bunch of kids with nothing better to do and even less respect for others decided to spend 15 minutes throwing stones at the windows and doors of the shop. This resulted in the glass canopy that covers the shop being smashed.”

Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene, with the business thanking officers for their “prompt response and support.” Crews from Haverfordwest Fire Station were also called to make the area safe by removing broken glass.

The shop also praised local contractor Dave Hughes of W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for assisting with urgent repairs, along with neighbours who offered support in the aftermath.

The owners added: “The result of what these kids think of as ‘fun’ has resulted in £1000s of pounds of damage, the involvement of multiple services and upset so many.”

Police have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.