News
Narberth: School site group unveil plans to benefit community
THE COMMUNITY-BASED consortium, which has successfully bid to develop the old primary school in Narberth, has revealed its plans for the site
The group comprises The Friends of Narberth Old School – headed by local Town Councillor Sue Rees – supported by local business people Simon and Gina Palmer – owners of the town’s Spar store – and Andrew and Janice Rees of Andrew Rees Butchers.
The consortium says its objective is to save the Victorian building from demolition and to provide space for community use.
This includes relocating Narberth library to the site and installing modern toilets with disabled facilities.
It is also planned to build new retail units around a central courtyard with the aim of attracting new businesses, building on Narberth`s reputation as a centre for high quality, independent shops.
The school playground – currently used as an overflow car park – will be retained by Pembrokeshire County Council as much needed parking for the town.
The news has been welcomed by Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Paul Miller.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to offer the Narberth community the opportunity to take forward this development site” said Councillor Miller.
“The site is a gateway to the very special town of Narberth and I’m certain the consortium will develop the site in a way which further enhances the standing of Narberth’s as a unique Pembrokeshire destination.”
Local County Councillor Vic Dennis also expressed his support for the project.
“I am delighted that the main building fronting Moorfield Road will now receive its much overdue restoration and redevelopment
“The scheme also offers the best of both solutions having private investors with a successful track record in Narberth and community interest for which Narberth is renowned.
“I wish the consortium well and offer my support for the creative solution that they plan for this site. This is really good news for the town.”
Simon Palmer said the consortium was proud and honoured to have been chosen as the preferred developer and thanked the County Council for the opportunity.
He added: “We are committed to saving the much-loved Victorian building which is an iconic and recognised feature of Narberth. Our proposal is to integrate this historic building with stylish retail units set around a central courtyard.”
Andrew Rees explained that after ten years of not knowing what would become of the old school, the announcement would boost the confidence of all Narberth businesses planning for the future.
He went on: “We are looking forward to the development and intend to ensure it extends the high street thereby enhancing the shopping experience which our lovely town is renowned for.
“We are confident that this project will strengthen the town and encourage more people to come and visit in order to shop, eat and enjoy one of the truly independent high streets left.”
Town Councillor Sue Rees predicted the school building would remain an iconic part of the Narberth landscape and an integral part of the community.
She said: “Thanks to the passion of local people, the foresight of our local investors and the new thinking in the County Council, I think the community is finally going to get the plan that they have always wanted for the old school building.”
Crime
Pembrokeshire child killer stabbed to death in prison cell, murder trial hears
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.
News
Alarm over brown sea around Fishguard cruise ship as harbour gives explanation
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.
Charity
More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day
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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