Councillors call for swift clean-up after Haverfordwest arson fire

Published

1 month ago

April 29, 2026

DERELICT SITE CONCERNS

COUNCILLORS have called for urgent action to make safe and clear the site of a derelict Haverfordwest building destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed on Wednesday (Apr 29) that officers are investigating an arson at Snowdrop Lane, which happened at around 11:30pm on Monday (Apr 27).

A two-storey derelict property was destroyed in the blaze, with police now appealing for information, Ring doorbell footage, or CCTV which could assist their investigation.

Fire crews were called to the scene late on Monday night, with residents in the area advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed as smoke spread from the burning building.

County Councillor for the Priory Ward, Cllr David Bryan, said he hoped the site would be dealt with more quickly than a previous fire-damaged property in the area.

“I hope it doesn’t continue to be an eyesore like the other one was,” he said.

“That took a few years to put right and to clear. I hope it doesn’t take as long this time, nowhere near as long.

“It took so long for that to be cleared and put in a respectable state. It has an impact on property values.

“I hope it will be cleared as soon as possible once the insurance has been sorted out and that it doesn’t impact on house prices around it.”

Cllr Bryan added that he had been in touch with constituents living nearby, who said they had not been directly affected by the fire as the smoke had blown towards Merlins Bridge.

However, he urged anyone in the area who had been affected, or who had concerns, to get in touch.

Town councillor for the Priory Ward, Cllr Adam Benson Davies, also encouraged residents to contact him if they had any worries following the incident.

“If local residents or anyone has concerns, feel free to contact me and I can discuss it with them either in person or over the phone,” he said.

Cllr Benson Davies said the future of the building could not be determined until the police and fire investigations had been completed.

“We need to wait until the investigation concludes before we state what can be done with the buildings,” he said.

“If it is unsafe then it needs to be demolished, but I don’t know if it is unsafe. I am not a structural engineer.

“We need to look at the ownership of these buildings and ensure that they are safe, secure and do not present a risk to the general public.”

Cllr Benson Davies added that he supported the wider regeneration of the Snowdrop Lane area.

Police have said officers will remain in the street today carrying out door-to-door crime enquiries.

Anyone with information, CCTV, or Ring doorbell footage is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260427-508.

River festival returns to Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

15 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CELEBRATION of the Cleddau will take place in Haverfordwest this weekend as the town’s River Festival returns for a second year.

The event will be held on Saturday (June 13), from 10:00am until late, centred on HaverHub and stretching along the quay towards the Bristol Trader.

Organised by The Cleddau Project, the family-friendly festival will include guided walks, demonstrations, art, science activities, live music, market stalls, free canoe trips and a boat race.

The event aims to celebrate the beauty, wildlife and heritage of the Cleddau, while encouraging more people to make use of the river and riverside area.

Organisers said the weather is looking promising and have invited families to “come on down” and enjoy the day.

Groups involved include West Wales Rivers Trust, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Paddle West and Pembrokeshire Marine Wildlife.

Mayors and community leaders join Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations

Published

1 day ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town’s civic leaders praised as event highlights community spirit

A HOST of civic dignitaries and community representatives joined residents for this year’s Milford Haven Founders Day, helping to mark the town’s annual celebration of its heritage and community spirit.

The event, held on Saturday, welcomed mayors and representatives from towns across Pembrokeshire, alongside police officers, clergy and local business leaders.

Milford Haven Founders Day organisers thanked guests for attending and supporting the occasion, describing their presence as helping to make the day “even more special”.

Among those attending were the Mayor of Milford Haven, Mark Woodward, accompanied by Mayoress Evija Upeniece Woodward; the Mayor of Haverfordwest, Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner, accompanied by Mayoress and Sheriff Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner; the Mayor of Pembroke, Jonathan Grimes; the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Tony Wilcox; and the Mayor of Neyland, Councillor Peter Hay, accompanied by Mayoress Mitzy Hay.

The event also welcomed local Police Community Support Officers from Milford Haven and Neyland Police, Reverend Dr Adrian Furse of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, Milford Haven Business Circle chairman Byron Thomas Jenkins, and treasurer Amanda Dyson.

Organisers said the strong turnout from civic leaders reflected the importance of Founders Day as a celebration of Milford Haven’s identity and local pride.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Founders Day said: “Your presence and support helped make the day a memorable celebration of our town, its history and its community spirit. We are truly grateful that you took the time to join us and share in the festivities.”

Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes later praised the event, commenting: “Thank you for the kind invitation – it was a wonderful event!”

Photo caption:

Civic guests: Mayors, community representatives and local officers gather during Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations (Pic: Captured Soul Photography).

Community

Community rallies to protect AJ Store after break-in

Published

1 day ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New security gate installed thanks to generosity of Pill and Milford Haven residents

MILFORD HAEVN residents have rallied around the owner of AJ Store in Pill Lane after a recent break-in, helping fund new security measures to protect the independent business.

Just days after an appeal was launched to support the shop following another break-in, donations from local people helped pay for a new security gate, now installed at the front of the store.

The owner, who took over the business around nine months ago, had faced costly repairs and mounting concerns over security after the latest incident.

The fundraiser, launched with the owner’s permission, asked for help towards repairs and measures to safeguard the future of the business.

In an emotional message posted online, AJ Local thanked the community for its support.

The shop said: “I would like to thank everyone who have been so generous with your donations to the GoFundMe and have enabled us to have this amazing security gate made and fitted by an excellent local business, KGM Welding.

“A big thank you to Kyle Morris, I’m very, very grateful to you and all of the people of Pill and Milford community.”

Community spirit

The rapid response to the appeal has been praised as an example of Milford Haven residents coming together to support a valued local business during a difficult time.

Independent convenience stores often face significant financial pressures following break-ins, with repair costs, insurance increases and additional security expenses placing strain on small traders.

The Herald previously reported on concerns about shop crime in Milford Haven, with businesses in areas including Pill Lane and Charles Street affected by robberies and break-ins in recent years.

Protected:

The new security gate installed at AJ Store in Pill Lane following community donations (Pic: AJ Local).