News
Haverfordwest: £6.6m A-level centre proposed for Pembrokeshire College
PROPOSALS for a new £6.6 million A-level centre are being unveiled today (Jan 18) at Pembrokeshire College, Haverfordwest.
The proposals are for a new cutting edge centre which will allow the college’s A-Level students and students from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Dewi Sant to attend the college for sixth form education from September 2017, subject to ministerial approval.
The plans for the centre promise “exceptional sixth form facilities” including new science laboratories, vibrant classrooms, flexible delivery space, high quality sports facilities and state-of-the-art learning technology.
Pembrokeshire College’s principle, Sharron Lusher said: “By investing in an A-level Centre, we are investing in the futures of the young people of Pembrokeshire and showing our commitment to providing the best educational opportunities possible, both now and in the future,”
The development is planned to be a two-storey new building on the campus, which will be linked to the existing college. The vocational areas are also being remodelled, and with the location of the centre A-level learners will be able to have access to vocational qualifications.
Last year the college reported the A-level enrolments increasing to 150, over double the previous year, with the proposed merger with Fishguard and St Davids sixth forms an additional 100 students are expected for 2017 with the figure increasing the following year to 170.
This will see Pembrokeshire College become the largest provider of A-level qualifications in the county.
It will be run by an A-level committee, which will consist of school, college and local authority representation.
“This is an extremely exciting time for both Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire College,” said Mrs Lusher.
“The A-level Centre will provide a dynamic environment that will allow us to prepare our young people for the workplace or higher education. With almost 200 learners progressing to university last year, the centre will become a valuable resource in helping even more learners to progress to some of the UK’s top universities.”
It is expected that the £6.6 million build will be funded partly through Welsh Government 21st Century Schools funding, as well as partly by the college, if it is granted Welsh Government funding and obtains relevant planning permissions and ministerial approval.

Crime
Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.
Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.
The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.
The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.
Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.
An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.
Charity
Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.
Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.
Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.
Crime
Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

Public trust at the heart of new strategy
DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.
The three core priorities of the plan are:
- Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
- Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system
Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.
Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.
“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”
Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.
“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”
A joined-up approach to justice
Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.
“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”
The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.
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anom
January 18, 2016 at 2:18 pm
To far for my son to travel each day, so he shall forfeit having the option to do A levels. From a resident living in the north Pembrokeshire area.
Owen Llewellyn
January 19, 2016 at 12:39 am
Prepare for even more gridlock around Merlin’s Bridge.