News

£10m expansion for Folly Farm approved

Published

9 years ago

March 6, 2017

A NEW £10m expansion for Folly Farm has been approved by Pembrokeshire County Council.

As well as developing a range of accommodation types split into three themed areas – Safari, Fairground and Farm – and all the necessary infrastructure including shower and toilet blocks, the attractions management team plans to regenerate existing farm buildings into a cafe, games rooms and reception area.

The development will aim to create a unique themed holiday destination that will increase the profile of Folly Farm and Pembrokeshire as a whole, attracting visitors from further afield.

The development of the 11.03 hectare site, which is currently used as grazing pasture, will comply with the relevant local authority’s Local Development Plan (2013) policies, which seek to support innovation, create new jobs and increase spend within the local economy.

The management team hopes the first phase of construction will begin in September, with the caravan sites ready for summer 2017.

Chris Ebsworth, Director at Folly Farm, said: “With the development of Folly Farm’s Holiday Village, our vision is to take the most successful and well-loved elements of the existing attraction and expand on them to offer a truly unique place to stay.

“At the moment, our plans will allow us to build 29 vintage showman wagons and shepherds huts, 27 timber lodges as well as space for 43 touring caravan pitches, and a range of safari, bell and circus tents.

“This is a natural step forward for us at Folly Farm. We’ve grown rapidly in the past three years investing approximately £2million per year on infrastructure, maintenance and new enclosures. We plan to continue this investment into the future alongside the Holiday Village.”

“By bringing another dimension to our offer, we aim to extend our trading seasons beyond the traditional May to September window. Our accommodation will attract new tourists to the area and provide an option to stay with us outside of the summer season, for long weekends and during half-term holidays. This development will also allow us to extend our Christmas and shoulder season opening.”

“The proposed accommodation would also create new jobs within the Holiday Village and Adventure Park, generating additional direct and indirect spend within the local economy, both during the construction and operation periods.”

“After many years of research, we have an exciting and unique proposal and we’re confident visitors will jump at the chance to have a magical stay at Folly Farm.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.