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St Davids: Residents voice concerns about Premier Inn proposal

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RESIDENTS and businesses turned out in force last week to strongly voice their opposition to proposals to build a Premier Inn hotel in St Davids.

Nearly 300 residents and local businesses packed the City Hall to hear Directors of the St Davids Peninsula Community Land Trust put forward their case for why they have partnered with the Whitbread owned hotel chain, on the Glasfryn Road housing development site.

Representatives from residents and businesses opposing the plans challenged the Directors of the not-for-profit Land Trust as to how they made this decision ‘on behalf’ of the community when they hadn’t discussed the matter with their members or the wider community of the Peninsula.

One local resident said: “There are serious questions to be asked as to who is gaining more from this ‘collaboration’.  There appears to be very little benefit to the community-led affordable housing plans that couldn’t be supported in another way, and enormous benefit for Premier Inn to be ‘piggy-backing’ on an affordable housing project.”

In addition to this, those opposed to the plans challenged the lack of evidence that such a large hotel was needed the small city, and raised serious concerns about the impact the proposed 63 bedroom / 160 bed hotel would have on the current accommodation providers, owned and run in the main by local families.

They also raised concerns about the irreversible impact the 3-story building would have on the special qualities of the ‘unique and spiritual’ city, saying it would be the ‘beginning of the change of everything St Davids is about’.

Despite the Community Land Trust’s best efforts to explain their closed-decision to partner with Premier Inn, those present voted overwhelmingly against the hotel proposals and requested that the community-led organisation withdraw their collaboration with Premier Inn on this development.

The voice of the community was backed up by the NOPi (No to Premier In St Davids) petition presented to the Community Land Trust at the meeting, which has to date been signed by more than 550 people from the St Davids Peninsula and by nearly 3000 people in total.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “It is very clear that people are extremely angry about this proposal and feel that it has been slipped-in by the back door. Most people back the affordable housing development providing homes for local families, but the decision to bring in such a large corporate brand, and a hotel on this scale is probably one of the most significant planning decisions for St Davids.”

When asked what happens next, a NOPi spokesperson said: “We need to work together as a community with the St Davids Peninsula Community Land Trust, and find the best way forward to deliver the original aims of the project, which is affordable housing for local families, without the need to ‘sell-out’ to a corporate hotel chain.”

Another resident said: “To change this city forever by allowing this development is not a decision that should be driven by Whitbread and the outside developers, it is outrageous that the community hasn’t been involved in the discussions and decisions. We do not want this and will do all we can to stop Whitbread getting a hold here.”

 

Crime

Pembrokeshire child killer stabbed to death in prison cell, murder trial hears

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Kyle Bevan, jailed for the murder of Haverfordwest toddler Lola James, was allegedly stabbed 25 times and left ‘as if asleep’ in a maximum-security prison cell attack

KYLE BEVAN, the man jailed for murdering two-year-old Lola James in Haverfordwest, was stabbed 25 times during an attack in his prison cell, a murder trial has heard.

Bevan, 33, was serving a life sentence at HMP Wakefield after being convicted of killing his partner’s daughter, Lola, whose death shocked Pembrokeshire and led to major questions about child protection failings.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Bevan was attacked on November 5 last year by three fellow prisoners, Lee Newell, 57, Mark Fellows, 45, and David Taylor, 63.

All three deny murder.

‘Left to bleed to death’

Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC told the jury the attack lasted four minutes and 39 seconds after Bevan entered his cell on A Wing.

He said the defendants followed him in “with real purpose” before allegedly carrying out a joint attack intended to kill him.

The court heard Bevan suffered at least 30 injuries, including 25 stab wounds from a sharp weapon. His heart and major blood vessels were damaged.

Mr Pitter said Bevan was then placed in bed “as if asleep” and left to bleed to death. His body was not discovered by prison staff until roll call the following morning.

Weapons found

Jurors were told a makeshift weapon, described as a folded piece of metal, was later found hidden behind a television and had Bevan’s blood on it.

Other weapons were allegedly found hidden in a container of chilli sauce in Taylor’s cell.

The court also heard that Taylor was allegedly heard saying: “Nice working with you and the Ice Man,” with “Ice Man” said to be a nickname for Fellows.

Pembrokeshire case

Bevan was jailed in 2023 for the murder of Lola James, who died after suffering catastrophic head injuries at her home in Haverfordwest.

Her mother, Sinead James, was also jailed for causing or allowing her death.

The case caused widespread anger in Pembrokeshire and led to serious questions about how Lola had been left in danger despite concerns being known before her death.

The trial continues.

 

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News

Alarm over brown sea around Fishguard cruise ship as harbour gives explanation

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Residents feared pollution after muddy water appeared around the Oceania Marina, but officials say sediment was churned up by the ship’s propulsion system.

BROWN discolouration seen in the sea around a cruise ship visiting Fishguard sparked concern among residents this week, after some feared it could indicate pollution in the harbour.

The large cruise vessel Oceania Marina arrived in Fishguard on Monday (Jun 8), bringing more than 1,200 passengers and hundreds of crew to Pembrokeshire as part of this summer’s growing cruise season.

But as the ship remained offshore, locals noticed muddy-looking water surrounding the vessel and took to social media to question whether waste had entered the bay.

The Herald understands concerns were raised with Fishguard Harbour, prompting enquiries with the ship’s operators.

According to an explanation passed to local county councillor Billy Shaw, the discolouration was not pollution but sediment disturbed from the seabed.

Harbour officials were told the ship had been using its propulsion system to hold position in strong winds and currents while tender boats ferried passengers to and from shore.

A statement from the vessel said the “brownish sea” seen around the ship had been caused by propulsion bringing mud to the surface.

The operators also stressed that no waste discharge takes place near land, saying all ship discharges stop before entering UK territorial waters and that the vessel complies with international maritime pollution rules.

The Oceania Marina, operated by Oceania Cruises, was making her first visit to Fishguard. Excursions took passengers to locations including St Davids and Cardigan, while many visitors spent time in Fishguard itself.

The call marks one of around two dozen cruise ship visits expected in Fishguard and Goodwick this season, with further vessels scheduled throughout the summer.

 

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Charity

More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day

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A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.

The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.

A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.

Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.

A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”

Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.

Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.

Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.

“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.

“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”

The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.

For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.

 

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