Temporary suspension of charges as new operating arrangements are reviewed

ATEB has confirmed that parking charges at the Old Haverfordwest Library car park on Dew Street have been suspended from this week (November 17) until the New Year while the organisation reviews how the site is operated.

The update was shared with residents by Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor following a statement from ATEB chief executive Nick Hampshire.

Mr Hampshire said the organisation is “currently reviewing the Dew Street car parking operations” and will therefore not charge users during the review period. However, he stressed that motorists use the site “at their own risk,” as clearly set out on the on-site notices.

New arrangements expected in 2026

ATEB says its intention is to introduce new parking arrangements early in the New Year. These are expected to mirror the terms, rates and conditions used in Pembrokeshire County Council-run car parks, providing consistency for shoppers, visitors and local residents.

“Until we agree the new arrangements, we will not be in a position to share more detail,” Mr Hampshire added.

Cllr Tudor encouraged residents with any queries to contact him directly.

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced the launch of its latest problem-solving project under the University of South Wales’ ‘Virtual Volunteers’ scheme – this time focusing on rural crime and the theft of farm machinery by organised crime groups.

The new programme has been written by Alicia Edwards, a Bangor University student researching rural crime as part of her doctorate. Dyfed-Powys Police also consulted Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison of North Wales Police, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for rural and wildlife crime.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones, of the Dyfed-Powys Police Central Prevention Hub, said the initiative gives USW students a meaningful way to contribute to a crime type that continues to worry farming and rural communities.

He said: “Any student at the University of South Wales can now volunteer for the force through engaging with this pernicious crime problem that is of very real concern to the rural communities we serve. Students consider the many complexities involved in a crime of this nature, undertake research into the subject and are then encouraged to address the challenging questions raised within the problem.

“Each student volunteer, upon completion of the programme, receives a letter of appreciation from Chief Constable Ifan Charles in recognition of their contribution.”

The ‘Virtual Volunteers’ programme has already tasked students with examining a range of crime issues, including cannabis cultivation in abandoned properties, romance fraud, money laundering and emerging threats linked to Artificial Intelligence.

In the coming weeks, participants will also be invited to propose innovative solutions to technology-enabled abuse of women and girls – a programme authored by the National Centre for Violence Against Women & Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) under the NPCC.

Rapunzel takes to the waves in a Pembrokeshire twist on a classic tale

REPORTS are coming in of a multi-agency rescue operation six miles off the coast of Milford Haven — led, of course, by indomitable local hairdresser Dame Belinda Beehive.

The mission? Nothing less than saving Neyland’s head-turning stunner, Rapunzel, who this year finds herself stranded at the top of a 200-foot lighthouse rather than a tower. The Herald understands that alongside appalling sea conditions, rescuers are also contending with an unidentifiable sea monster determined to make off with their belongings.

It can only mean one thing: pantomime season has arrived at the Torch Theatre.

The Milford Haven venue’s festive production of Rapunzel, running from December 6 to December 28, promises to be one of its most ambitious and imaginative pantomimes to date.

“Yes, it’s an interesting one,” laughs writer and artistic director Chelsey Gillard, the driving force behind this year’s show. “People are starting to look for different titles and slightly more unusual fairy tales. Following on from last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk, I wanted something a bit more ‘princessy’ — but still very Pembrokeshire.”

Given the Torch’s clifftop location, Chelsey leaned straight into a maritime twist. “So instead of a tower, Rapunzel is stuck in a lighthouse somewhere off the coast of Milford Haven,” she says.

Rapunzel is played by Neyland’s Holly Mayhew, a recent graduate of Drama Studio London. Her long-lost mother — Dame Belinda Beehive — is brought to life by Lloyd Grayshon, while mischievous puffin Zephyr is played by Freya Dare. They are joined by the occasional shark, an assorted school of fish, and a host of friendly sea creatures played by members of the Torch Youth Theatre.

But while the setting may be new, Chelsey says the heart of pantomime remains firmly intact.

“It’s a slightly unusual story, but it’s still got all the essentials: a dame, slapstick routines, loads of songs, silly dances, and all the audience interaction that creates the magic of a pantomime. People’s expectations are huge — this is the main theatrical event of the year — so we have to pour everything into it.”

Chelsey admits that responsibility weighs heavily, but her love for panto keeps her motivated.

“I’ve always adored panto. As a child I’d look forward to it every year with my school or with my mum and dad. It was a huge thing for me — and I want our audiences to feel that same excitement.”

This year’s production also comes as something of a relief after Chelsey’s recent turn into darker territory with October’s gothic The Turn of the Screw.

“That was a much more serious piece,” she says. “So the thought of being silly for a few weeks is exactly what I need!”

Rehearsals are now entering their second week ahead of the first school performance on November 26. With just three weeks to pull everything together, Chelsey says she is supported by a formidable creative team, including designer Kevin Jenkins and workshop manager Sam Wordsworth.

“All the sets are built on site here at the Torch — which is really rare these days. Thanks to the team’s skill, the designs were finished back in May. A panto takes a good twelve months of planning before opening night.”

Even so, Chelsey admits to nerves during the first script read-through.

“You always wonder whether the jokes will land and if the cast will get your humour. And audiences here in Pembrokeshire are not shy about telling you what they think!”

But now that rehearsals are in full swing, she says the joy of the process has returned.

“I’m lucky to do a job I love so much. And once the show is up and running, I get to step back and enjoy what this brilliant cast has created.”

Rapunzel runs from Saturday, December 6 to Sunday, December 28.
Tickets: £24.50 | £20 concessions | £78 family.
Relaxed performance: Saturday, December 13 at 2:00pm.
BSL interpreted performance: Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00pm (interpreter: Liz May).

For full details, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.