News
Community campaigns to buy Trecadwgan Farm – a County Council farm near Solva

CAMPAIGNERS in and around the community of Solva and the St Davids Peninsula are working hard to stop Pembrokeshire County Council from selling off this historic county farm at public auction in July, in order for the community to raise funds for a community asset transfer.
Solva community council, who are unanimously supportive of the vision for a community farm at the site said:
This Council, support the proposed purchase of Trecadwgan farm as a community project supporting the principles of food sovereignty, agroecology and biodynamic principles and practices. This Council also felt that given the current circumstances and recent declaration of a climate emergency by PCC, this project would naturally support any carbon reduction schemes and green projects. We do not feel that the sale of the farm would be securing value for money and would mean the loss of a potentially valuable community asset.
We would ask that PCC remove the farm from auction immediately and undertake discussions to support this unique and vibrant project.
Dating back to the 15th century the farmhouse is being sold with 13 outbuildings and 11 acres. The community benefit group have a vision for the site becoming a hub for the area that can offer skills training and be a location for many land-based social enterprises. One of the campaigners Rupert Dunn noted “There is a unique opportunity for the community and supporters both near and far to become joint purchasers of this historically important farm. Given the sensitivity of the issue of the sell-off of county farms across the UK, this case has national significance and raises a spotlight to our local authority to act with vision and to work together with communities. ” Rupert continued “I have spoken to many food, craft, training and agricultural based projects and there is great enthusiasm, the local community council at Solva are in full support”
The group is now forming a constituted Community Benefit Society registered with the FCA and will be looking to issue community shares in the development. A Pembrokeshire champion of community cooperatives, Cris Tomos of PLANED who has supported many community share offers commented ” The community and enterprise vision for Trecadwgan farm is fantastic and would see the opportunity for people to gain new skills and employment. It will be crucial to now form the new society as soon as possible with an inaugural board of directors to set up the community business”
Anyone wishing to show solidarity with the campaign or are interested in supporting the new community scheme are invited to attend the public meeting in Solva Memorial Hall at 6.30pm on Friday the 14th of June. There will be an opportunity to hear from people with a connection to the farm, form the new board and also have people putting their names down for being part of subcommittees to focus on finance, marketing, legal and other issues.
There will also be family-friendly activities held at the farm from 11am-5pm on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June including: elderflower cordial making, gardening, scything and green woodworking as well as food to share and a chance to shape the vision for a community farm.
Education
Apprenticeship Week Wales: Free advice for people in Pembrokeshire

AS APPRENTICESHIP WEEK WALES unfolds, Careers Wales is highlighting the support available to help people explore the different opportunities available to them.
Apprenticeships are one of many routes individuals can take to develop skills, gain qualifications, and build experience in the workplace.
They offer people of all ages the chance to earn while they learn, gaining recognised qualifications and valuable hands-on experience.

In 2022-23, Wales saw significant engagement in apprenticeship programmes. Data gathered from the Medr Apprenticeship Learning Dashboard
shows that during that year, 22,880 apprenticeship learning programmes were started in Wales. This was an increase of 14% from the previous year (202122).*
25% of these were in South West Wales, with 5,650 apprenticeships started. 1,045 people took up apprenticeships during the year in Pembrokeshire alone.
With opportunities in 23 diverse sectors, from creative industries to green skills, there’s something for everyone. The top 5 apprenticeship learning programmes in 2022/23 in Wales were:
- Healthcare and Public Services
- Management and Professional
- Construction
- Business Administration
- Engineering*
Apprenticeships are not only suitable for young people. Over 70% of apprenticeships taken up in Wales in 2022-23 were by people over 19 years old. Over 4,500 (or 20%) of apprenticeships that started in 2022-23 were taken up by people aged 40 and over.*
Nikki Lawrence, chief executive of Careers Wales said: “Apprenticeship Week Wales is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate apprenticeships, and the value they bring to learners, employers, and the wider Welsh economy.
“Apprenticeships provide a pathway for people to gain qualifications while working and earning a wage, and can be a valuable route for those looking to develop their skills.
“Our careers advisers can provide tailored support for people of all ages with exploring apprenticeships, as well as the full range of alternative options available to them.”
For those interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities in Wales, resources are available, including the apprenticeship finder on the Careers Wales website, to assist in finding and applying for positions.
You can read more about the free services provided by Careers Wales and Working Wales, call 0800 028 4844 or email [email protected].
Crime
Driver jailed after crashing into house and fleeing scene

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who crashed into a house after destroying a garden wall before fleeing the scene has been jailed.
Oliver Torkington, 39, from Tenby, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on January 22, where he pleaded guilty to multiple motoring offences, including careless driving, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident, and driving without insurance.
The court heard that on July 14, 2024, Torkington was driving a Seat Leon on the A470 at Talerddig, Powys, when he failed to negotiate a right-hand bend. His vehicle ploughed through a stone garden wall before colliding with the corner of a house, causing significant structural damage. The impact resulted in cracks extending from the exterior walls into the interior of the property, leaving the homeowner with extensive repair costs and safety concerns.
Rather than stopping to assess the damage or exchange details, Torkington drove away from the scene. He also failed to report the accident to the police within the required 24-hour period. Investigators later traced the vehicle back to him, leading to his arrest.
During sentencing, the court was told that Torkington was uninsured at the time of the crash.
Magistrates handed him a nine-week custodial sentence, citing the seriousness of his offences and his disregard for the law. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to pay £110 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
He also had 10 points added to his driving licence, which will significantly impact his ability to drive legally upon release.
Torkington, who is currently serving a separate sentence at HMP Parc for a violent assault, was also warned about the potential consequences of further driving offences upon his release.
Approximately four months ago, he was convicted of a serious attack against his former partner in St Clears. During the assault, he punched, strangled, and stamped on the woman in a fit of jealous rage after seeing her speaking to a doorman during a night out. The victim suffered a broken finger and continues to experience ringing in her ear as a lasting impact from the attack. During sentencing for that offence, the judge criticised his behaviour, describing it as immature and reckless.
Magistrates stressed the importance of road safety and accountability, particularly in cases involving dangerous driving and damage to property.
The case highlights the severe penalties for drivers who fail to take responsibility for their actions on the road and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of driving with care and proper insurance.
Community
Is enough being done to tackle fly-grazing?

A PEMBROKESHIRE road was closed after horses were running loose during rush hour yesterday (Wednesday, February 12), raising further concerns over the ongoing problem of fly-grazing in the county.
The incident occurred on the A477 near Nash Fingerpost junction at 8:50am. The road was shut while the horses were removed.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of two horses loose on the A477 near to Nash Fingerpost junction at around 8:50am yesterday (February 12). The horses were safely moved from the road.”
This latest disruption comes as Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police continue their efforts to tackle the growing problem of horses being left on public land and highways. Known as fly-grazing, the issue has been causing increasing safety concerns and public disruption across the county.
Authorities launched a joint initiative over the Christmas period, aiming to combat the issue through a coordinated operational effort. However, with roads still being closed due to roaming horses, many are questioning whether enough is being done to address the problem effectively.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of managing fly-grazing incidents and ensuring public safety.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about fly-grazing by contacting [email protected] or calling 01437 764551.
-
Business3 days ago
Digital marketing challenges for rural Welsh businesses
-
Education7 days ago
Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief
-
News7 days ago
Threatening email revealed: Why Neyland’s clerk missed controversial meeting
-
News3 days ago
Police report filed over Neyland Town Council email controversy
-
News7 days ago
Cat stuck in Pembroke Dock tree for days sparks local rescue effort
-
Business7 days ago
Oyster comeback: Milford Haven project aims to restore native species
-
Health3 days ago
Emergency care failing in Wales, warns damming report
-
Business7 days ago
Key Pembrokeshire aerospace employer set to expand