News
Leisure park extension deferred
AN APPLICATION to expand the New Minerton Leisure Park was deferred by councillors on Tuesday (Feb 24).
The application, to demolish an existing building and relocate 12 static caravans and add a further 20, was recommended for refusal by officers.
However, councillors indicated that they would be supportive of this development and a decision was made to defer to allow the Director of Development to look at the conditions if it was approved.
Agent Gerald Blaine said: “There are conflicts within the LDP policy as this falls down on the fact that it is outside a settlement boundary. We have checked all the parks for Pembrokeshire and we find that there isn’t any park that meets the criteria. There are no objections to this and we have support from Heatherton and Manor Park. The overall investment is that this park is going to make is £750,000.”
Cllr Brian Hall moved the recommendation for refusal and added: “Despite the countryside location of the site, it is considered that the proposal would not result in an unacceptable visual intrusion. The proposed development is contrary to the requirements of the development plan in that it represents an extension from a static caravan site outside of a settlement boundary.”
Cllr Jacob Williams said: “I am surprised at the recommendation. It is a well written report. It’s very positive about the application and it states that the relocation of the units would result in an environmental improvement. The amendments are sufficient to result in an improvement to the site and the landscape and therefore the development would represent a demonstrable environmental improvement. This is already a well-established business. They are looking to improve, increase the size of their site and this would bring more income to St Florence and the wider area. This is a really nice site. I don’t think this committee should be against that and we should we welcoming investment in any business which is already established and looking to do better. I support the application and I think there is more than enough that can outweigh the objections.”
Cllr Tony Wilcox added: “This is always going to have a positive effect. If you have 20 caravans there you will attract different kinds of people throughout the year. It would be a reprobate step not to approve this based purely on the economy of Pembrokeshire.”
Cllr Gwilym Price said: “I believe this will be beneficial to south Pembrokeshire and the Tenby area and I will be supporting the application on this.”
Cllr Rod Bowen also indicated he was minded to accept this saying: “We should be encouraging businesses to grow and I don’t think we are very far away from policy on this one.”
Cllr Peter Stock said: “This has got advantages for Pembrokeshire and tourism. This is an extension to help existing tourism. We’ve got to be top draw all the time to offer the facilities to be able to draw people in. This development is a progressive one and what we’ve got here will without a doubt be an advantage to us.”
Cllr Jacob Williams moved approval on the basis that the objection was outweighed by the economic benefits of the scheme and added that it was a natural expansion.
Cllr Tony Wilcox seconded Cllr Williams but the Director of Development indicated that because the committee was minded to approve the application, it should be deferred to look at some of the implications for the implementation.
That was moved by Cllr Rob Lewis and was supported unanimously by councillors.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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