Community

Brains has no drains

Published

10 years ago

September 22, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Sewage leak: Human waste leaked into gardens while pub was open

TWO prominent Milford Haven businessmen have contacted The Herald to explain how a neighbour’s dispute with the owners of a now-closed public house led them to remove its drain pipes.

The Alma Hotel, on Priory Street, Milford Haven, was recently closed after the police sought removal of the licensee of the premises, concerned over the way the premises had been run.

The Herald reported last year that in the police papers presented to the council’s Licensing Committee it stated member of the public had reported ‘twelve-year-olds snorting cocaine off the tables’ – a claim that was never substantiated.

However, the closure of the premises has not been the end of the problem for the owners of adjoining properties. Hugo Henricksen, who owns the HSBC Bank building at 12 Hamilton Terrace, and Tom Newing & Sons Ltd who own 13 Hamilton Terrace say that they have suffered loss and damage due to the actions of Brains, the Alma Hotel owners.

Last year solicitors acting for the landowners affected wrote to Brains. The Herald has seen the letter, which stated: “Many tons of debris have now been removed from our clients’ properties, including the removal of waste which had been used as a sort of foundation to the structures constructed at the rear of The Alma Public House. The property belonging to Messrs Tom Newing has suffered damage from patrons frequenting your Public House and you have a duty to restrain their behaviour and are thus responsible for the costs of repair to the premises.”

“Further, drainage pipes have been laid through the property formerly belonging to HSBC Bank. This land now belongs to Mr Henricksen. No permission had been given for the laying of the pipes. This has resulted in many years of raw sewage and other toiletry items being deposited into the garden of the former HSBC Bank premises due to faulty and inappropriate toilet pipes being installed.”

The letter went on: “Substantial expense has been incurred as a result of the actions of your former Licensee and reimbursement of that expense will be required from your company… We would request that someone from your Department attend at the site in order to discuss matters.”

Mr Henricksen told The Herald: “When The Alma Hotel was rebuilt several years ago instead of removing the old materials, the owners dumped them into the bank’s garden and into Mr. Newing’s garden. We are talking about tons of rubbish, debris and pub fittings including brewery pipes.”

He added: “The sewerage drains coming from the Alma Hotel were poorly fitted, and had collapsed and human waste was pouring into the bank’s garden. The closure of the pub meant an end to the bad smells but the rubbish still remained. I removed the pipes because not only had the drains collapsed, and posed a health hazard on my land but there was no permission for the drains to be laid on the land in the first place.”

Solicitors acting for Tom Newing & Sons Ltd first contacted Gareth Johns, Head of Estates at Brains in January 2010. Brains had built, according to solicitor Gareth Lewis, a smoking shelter on Newing’s land and placed a lock on their back gate. A site visit which took place in November 2008 had not resolved the issue.

Mr Henricksen concluded: “Brains are now auctioning the Alma Hotel, but the new owners will need to lay new drainage and ensure that the hotel’s structures are built on land that is owned by them, and not land belonging to Mr Newing or myself. I hope that the new owners sort these important issues quickly”

At the time of going to press Brains were not available for comment.

Community

Police appeal to find Daniel, 32, from Pembroke Dock

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information to help locate 32-year-old Daniel, who has been reported missing from his home in the Pembroke Dock area.

Daniel is described as being around 6ft 1in tall, with ginger hair and blue eyes. He has infinity tattoos on his arms and is often seen wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses.

He is known to speak with an American accent and has links to both the London and Bristol areas.

Daniel was last known to be driving a blue Ford Ecosport, registration number CU17 MLF.

Anyone who has seen Daniel or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Please quote reference: 142 of April 23.

Community

Paddle Out protest returns to Broad Haven to highlight sewage pollution

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A MAJOR environmental protest is set to take place in Broad Haven (north) on Friday, May 17, as part of a national campaign against sewage pollution in UK waters.

The event, known as the Paddle Out Protest, is being organised by local representatives of the charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and will serve as the flagship demonstration for Wales this year.

Campaigners are calling on all ocean, river, and lake users to take part in the peaceful protest, which aims to highlight the growing problem of sewage discharges at popular bathing spots across Pembrokeshire.

Local organisers Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Lloyd Nelmes, Kate J, and Kate Evans have planned a full day of activities centred around Broad Haven beach.

The day will begin at 12:00pm with placard-making and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (now rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront. A community beach clean will follow at 1:30pm.

At 2:30pm, participants will take part in the main event — a mass paddle out into the ocean — led by a member of the national Surfers Against Sewage team.

Before the paddle out, speeches will be given by Sian Richardson, founder of the global Bluetits cold-water swimming movement, and Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire’s Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer.

The day will conclude with an after-party at Rwts starting at 4:00pm. Those who joined the protest will be offered discounts, with live music from 5:00pm, a DJ set from 6:00pm, and food and drink including BBQ, pizza, and local refreshments available throughout the evening.

Ella Staden, SAS regional representative, said: “It’s important that the community comes together to show support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag beaches remain a safe place to surf and bathe.

“A lot of people in Pembrokeshire have been impacted by sewage overspills — whether that’s falling ill, being unable to enjoy water activities, or simply not being able to take our families to the beach.

“We urge every single person who cares about the water to come and get involved, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won’t stand for it anymore.”

More details can be found on Facebook by searching for ‘Paddle Out Protest Broad Haven’.

Community

Volunteers pass RNLI assessments at Angle Lifeboat Station

Published

18 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX volunteers at Angle RNLI Lifeboat Station have successfully completed key assessments, marking an important milestone in their ongoing training with the charity.

Earlier on Tuesday (Apr 29), crew members Nathen Houston, Anthony Thomas, Marc Blockwell, Bobby Davies and Neil Coles were all signed off on their Tier 2 competencies. The assessment, carried out during live exercise launches, tested their ability to carry out a variety of operational tasks safely and efficiently aboard the station’s lifeboat.

Tiered assessments are a core part of the RNLI’s structured training programme, designed to ensure volunteers are fully prepared to respond to emergencies at sea. Volunteers progress through the tiers as they demonstrate competence in areas such as navigation, boat handling, safety procedures, and teamwork under pressure.

Later the same day, Rhiannon Creese was successfully assessed as a Launch Authority. In this vital role, she will be responsible for authorising the launch of the lifeboat when required — a decision made in close coordination with HM Coastguard and other emergency services.

A spokesperson for Angle RNLI said: “These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. The training is thorough and challenging, and passing these assessments means they are ready to take on more responsibility during lifeboat operations.”

The RNLI relies on volunteers for the majority of its lifesaving work, with crew and shore-based personnel undergoing extensive training to ensure they are ready for the demands of maritime rescue.

Angle Lifeboat has seen an increase in volunteers since their rescue vessel has been spending time moored in Milford Haven at the Port Authority Jetty.