News
33 new homes approved for Neyland
PLANS to build 33 new homes on Charles Street in Neyland have been approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Planning Committee.
The development will also see existing buildings demolished to make way for the new homes and modifications will also be made to existing vehicle access from Charles Street.
The Committee met on Tuesday (Jul 31) to discuss the application and gave their approval by a clear majority.
Cllr Brian Hall said: “We’re forever being told that there are never enough housing/residential properties in the smaller towns.
“I’m sure the local member is totally supportive of this and I think it is a massive plus for Neyland and I think it will give the opportunity for local people who have been brought up, born and bred and work in the area the opportunity to apply and get near their family. I have no hesitation in approving this.”
Cllr Myles Pepper said he was concerned about the small amount of open space in relation to the size of the estate.
Interim Head of Planning David Popplewell said that a report into the current site states that there is not a significant contribution to activity on the open space and therefore it can be developed.
Cllr Pearl Llewellyn was also concerned about the lack of a play area and said that anyone wanting to get to a play area would have to cross the road to get to the nearest one in Harbour Close.
She added: “This is desperately needed for Neyland, the housing list is miles long and hopefully it will be for local people and the local people that have spoken to me about it have said they need a play area for the children on that site. The other thing that concerns them is the number of one bedroom flats.”
The application was approved by a majority with Cllr Llewellyn abstaining from voting.
Speaking to the Herald after the meeting, Neyland Mayor, Cllr Simon Hancock said: “I welcome this development as there is a desperate need for social housing in Neyland but there needs to be maximum benefit to local people on the housing register.
“There are many applicants from Neyland and I hope that they are looked at first and prioritised.
“There will also be green space given to Neyland Town Council so it will be under their control and that will help us to develop an ambitious leisure strategy.”
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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