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Paedophile report to remain private

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Mik Smith: The paedophile was nearly allowed to become a foster carer

ANOTHER vote on whether or not a confidential report into how the council dealt with convicted paedophile Mik Smith was defeated by the casting vote of the chairman at a meeting today (Mar 10).

The matter will now be sent to Cabinet for their final decision on the matter.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the matter after it was defeated on the chairman’s vote after a tied vote in the council chamber the previous Thursday (Mar 2).

The report has already been leaked to the press and the committee considered whether or not it should be published to the wider public.

Chief Executive, Mr Ian Westley stated that it was his ‘personal preference’ that the report shouldn’t be published due to an agreement he had with the report’s author.

Other councillors argued that the report contained information which could lead to certain adults and children involved in criminal proceedings to be named.

Cllr Ken Rowlands said it could open up ‘huge wounds’ for the families concerned if the council were to publish the report.

The notice of motion came from Cllr Mike Stoddart who said that Mr Smith had only been prevented from becoming a foster parent by ‘pure luck’.

He went on to say that he was happy for the report to be redacted to protect certain individuals and other councillors supported that statement.

Chief Executive Ian Westley said: “My preference for not releasing this report is nothing whatsoever to do with the content of it and it is nothing whatsoever to do with a cover-up which is terminology I’ve recently seen in the press because I believe that it contains very little, if any, new information that members haven’t already had access to.

“There are a dozen or so officers and others who are referred to by title, my concern there is that some of those titles are individual and not generic and it is quite clear to tell who we are talking about even though they are not named by names.

“The author wrote the report on a confidential basis and has clearly recorded that the report contains sensitive personal information which in accordance with the Data Protection Act, should not be published without the consent of the person concerned.

“The author is identifiable and has expressed opinion within the report that they did not expect would be put into the public domain. From my point of view and my professional dealings with the author, it is my view that the arrangement should be honoured.”

Cllr Stoddart stated that the document was commissioned by a public body and therefore it should be published.

Cllr David Pugh said he had spoken to someone who was closely involved who had told him that people could be identified in the report but when asked if he had read the report, Cllr Pugh said he hadn’t.

Cllr Michael Williams said he was amazed that Cllr Pugh hadn’t read the report before going to the meeting.

Cllr Paul Miller added: “Confidence of the public is critical and I don’t believe it’s ever fully returned following these issues being brought to a head at the start of this council term. We clearly have a responsibility to the children and parents involved in this appalling episode but as we’ve already heard, I don’t feel any children can possibly be identified by reading this report, individual officers, potentially, but I for one don’t feel that we owe anything to individual professionals who failed in their duty to protect the children of this county.”

The matter was put to a recorded vote with Cllrs Mike Stoddart, Paul Miller, Jacob Williams, Michael Williams, Peter Stock and David Howlett voting for it to be published.

Cllrs Owen James, Rob Summons, David Pugh, David Rees, Tom Richards and Ken Rowlands voted against it being published.

With six voting in favour and six against it was left to the chairman, Cllr Tom Richards, who voted against the report being published.

Community

Internet outage for two villages after exchange box destroyed

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RESIDENTS of Clunderwen and Llandissilio have been left without internet access following the destruction of an Openreach exchange box just outside Llandissilio village.

The incident occurred yesterday (Nov 23) when the box was reportedly demolished by a vehicle. The damage has resulted in a complete loss of internet services for the two villages, with repairs expected to take at least a couple of days.

Local residents have expressed frustration over the disruption, as the outage affects home businesses, remote workers, and households relying on internet connectivity for day-to-day tasks.

Openreach engineers have cordoned off the site, and work is ongoing to assess the extent of the damage. A spokesperson for Openreach has been contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.

The vehicle involved in the incident has not yet been identified. Anyone with information about the collision is urged to contact the local police.

With repair timelines unclear, affected residents have called for increased communication from service providers to manage expectations during the outage.

“Bringing the community back online is a priority,” a local resident said. “We’re hoping Openreach can resolve the issue quickly and ensure it doesn’t happen again in future.”

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Business

Plans unveiled for new fitness hub in Charles Street

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A PLANNING application has been submitted for the transformation of The Original Factory Shop building on Charles Street, Milford Haven, into a state-of-the-art fitness and well-being centre.

The proposal, put forward by Inner Tiger Fitness, aims to offer a range of facilities, including areas for yoga and fitness classes, a protein bar, sunbeds, and a fitness-focused retail space.

Samantha and Darren Winn, co-founders of Inner Tiger Fitness and lifelong residents of Pembrokeshire, see this project as a chance to breathe new life into the town centre while addressing the growing demand for health and fitness services in the community.

The proposed floor plan of Inner Tiger Fitness Centre (Image: PCC)

Focus on community and well-being

In a public statement, the applicants emphasised their vision of creating more than just a gym. Samantha Winn explained: “We don’t class ourselves as a gym, but as a centre for health, fitness, and care. We aim to build a friendly, non-judgmental space where people of all ages and abilities can improve their physical and mental well-being.”

The facility will provide a range of offerings designed to appeal to both seasoned fitness enthusiasts and beginners, including modern gym equipment, group training areas, and classes such as Pilates and yoga. There will also be a dedicated space for those nervous or hesitant to use the main gym floor. Samantha and Darren Winn hope to foster a welcoming environment where individuals can connect, socialise, and embark on their fitness journeys with confidence.

The protein bar, a key feature of the new facility, will serve pre- and post-workout drinks and snacks, such as healthy smoothies and protein shakes. The owners were keen to clarify that this would not be a café in the traditional sense. “We will not be serving teas, coffees, cakes, or sandwiches,” they stated, countering concerns about competition with other local establishments.

Addressing high street challenges

The building on Charles Street has been on the market for a year, with no other substantial interest shown in its lease. The applicants argued that their proposal offers a solution to the decline of retail in town centres, a trend seen across the country. “Retail is dying on the high street. Town centres must adapt and evolve, or they risk becoming derelict,” they said. “We believe a busy, thriving facility like ours will attract more people to Milford Haven and benefit surrounding businesses.”

They also noted that no exterior changes to the property are planned, apart from essential maintenance and improvements. With peak hours expected to fall outside traditional retail times, they reassured residents that parking would remain adequate, with spaces available in nearby authority-run car parks.

Creating opportunities for Pembrokeshire

Inner Tiger Fitness plans to operate as a family-run business initially, with Samantha and Darren at the helm. As the facility grows, they aim to create both full- and part-time jobs, including roles for coaches, retail assistants, and receptionists. They also hope to establish career paths for young adults in the fitness industry by supporting apprentice trainers and helping them gain the qualifications needed to succeed in their careers.

“Our goal is to make a meaningful investment in Pembrokeshire, not just financially but also socially,” said the couple. “We care deeply about creating opportunities for local people and providing a space that helps everyone feel healthier and happier.”

Responding to public feedback

The proposal has generated mixed reactions on social media, but Inner Tiger Fitness has welcomed the discussion, encouraging residents to share their opinions via the planning consultation process. In a Facebook post, they addressed concerns raised by some members of the community, particularly regarding the future of the current tenant, The Original Factory Shop.

“We are not responsible for any decisions made by the Factory Shop or its internal communications with staff,” the post read. “The building has been on the market for over a year. If retail businesses were thriving, the property would not have been available. Our vision is to bring this space back to life and offer something unique that meets the needs of the community.”

Inner Tiger Fitness also clarified that their facility would not compete directly with existing gyms or leisure centres, such as the Meads. “The Meads offers a range of facilities that we do not, such as swimming, tennis, and squash. Our focus is entirely different. We are building something new and innovative,” they said.

Looking ahead

If the planning application is approved, the facility could open as early as 2025. Samantha and Darren Winn remain optimistic about the project’s potential to make a positive impact on Milford Haven. “We would rather try and fail than never try at all,” they said. “We want to create a space where people can improve their fitness, build friendships, and feel part of a supportive community.”

Residents are invited to view the plans and submit their feedback online. Samantha and Darren concluded: “For those who support us, we are truly grateful. For those with reservations, we hope to change your mind. Our vision is about more than just financial gain—it’s about building something meaningful for Pembrokeshire.”

The Original Factory Shop recently announced it was closing its Haverfordwest Branch, but it was widely assumed that the Milford Haven shop was going to remain open, despite speculation earlier this year that it was to shut down.

It has been widely reported that The Original Factory Shop is struggling financially, with several restructures having recently take place in an attempt to keep the firm solvent.

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Business

Fresh flavours at new eatery in St Davids

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A NEW brunch spot has opened its doors in St Davids, promising a delicious twist on classic dishes in a welcoming and vibrant setting.

The Brunch House, a passion project by hospitality duo Hannah Bowie and Adam Sawyer, opened at Oriel Y Parc Visitor Centre on Saturday (Nov 16), drawing over 250 visitors on its first day.

With more than two decades of combined industry experience, Hannah and Adam have transformed the space through extensive renovations, creating an inviting environment for locals and visitors alike.

Hannah, who previously ran 35 Main Street in Solva, shared her excitement: “Brunch is my favourite meal of the day, and bringing The Brunch House to life has been a dream come true. We’re thrilled to offer something fresh and unique to St Davids.”

The menu features an inspired blend of Middle Eastern flavours from Hannah’s heritage alongside brunch staples like the Full Welsh and Pancake Stack. Standout dishes, such as chicken and waffles drizzled with house-made hot maple sauce, have already earned rave reviews.

Ben Richardson, one of the first customers, said: “The chicken and waffles were absolutely delicious. We’re already planning our next visit.”

The eatery’s warm atmosphere and quality cuisine have struck a chord with the community. Bethany Ellison, a local customer, remarked: “What Hannah and Adam have created here is phenomenal. The ambience, combined with the exceptional food, makes this place truly special. I wish them every success.”

Adam added: “We’ve worked hard to make The Brunch House our own, and the support from locals and holidaymakers has been incredible. It’s been amazing to see so many people walk through our doors already.”

The Brunch House is open daily from 9:30am to 4:00pm, with food served until 3:00pm.

Pictured above – Brunch with a twist: The Brunch House in St Davids run by Adam Sawyer and Hannah Bowie is the newest spot to enjoy freshly made dishes

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