News

Pembroke Dock: Councillor attacks letting agency after rubbish fire at flats

Published

8 years ago

October 30, 2017

A PEMBROKE DOCK County Councillor has hit out on social media after rubbish piled up near flats in the town caught fire.

Cllr Paul Dowson, who says that rubbish has been a problem in the area, says it was just a matter of time before an incident such as this occurred.

The incident on Monday night (Oct 30) comes as the local authority has launched a consultation on refuse collection in the county. Residents could soon be facing three weekly black bin bag collections – and restrictions on the number of black bags that can put out.

The proposal is part of a plan to transform the collection of waste and recycling in the county, and will help Pembrokeshire County Council make savings.

On his Facebook page, Cllr Dowson said: “It was always just a matter of time before this happened. Dimond Street flats [are often] piled up with rubbish for weeks.

“First came the rats – so I’m told by tenants, and now the inevitable has happened – a fire has broken out in the enclosed space between the flats.

“Fortunately somebody discovered the fire pretty quickly otherwise this scene could have been a lot worse as people were living above the fire.”

Gone to rats: Rubbish has long been a problem for residents of the flats

Cllr Dowson says that one particular property rental company seems to be not doing its bit in helping with the problem, whist another, managing flats opposite, demonstrates a “commitment to their tenants, and the community” by installing secure cages for waste.

He added: “I have battled alone over the disgraceful sight of the bins and the safety issues that go with it. E Lettings have never acknowledged the problem never discussed the issue and have made absolutely no effort whatsoever to rectify the problem.

“Whenever I try to communicate with them about it they either ignore my contacts or they report me to the police for harassing them. Whether or not it is the tenants fault they have a responsibility to the community and they should show a little respect to the community.

Jill Evans, Manager of E Lettings in Pembroke Dock, told the Herald: “I had arranged a meeting with Mr Dowson but that has been put on hold as he continues to be aggressive. Until he can behave professionally we cannot meet with him.

“We are very busy with all of our lettings and the residents have to put their own rubbish out. We will remind them when their bin days are and we are also working closely with the council.

“If anyone has any concerns I am more than happy to discuss it with them.

“There seems to be a witch hunt against us and I am not prepared to get my business involved in that.”>

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 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

8 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

8 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.