News
Child neglect allegations cause family distress
AN ANONYMOUS party has accused a family in Pembroke of neglecting their children, The Herald can reveal.
Mr David Coombes, 52 and Mrs Tammy Coombes, 28, of Strongbow Walk, Pembroke recently received a letter from Social Services claiming that their youngest son Logan, aged six, had been taking drugs at the family home, putting himself and the lives of the other children at risk.
Mrs Coombes said: “This is outrageous to suggest that a boy of six has been involved in drug taking. At first we thought it was some kind of joke.”
Mr Coombes rang Social Services regarding the letter and they confirmed that someone had reported them, but were unwilling to disclose information about those involved.
The representative from Social Services said there had been some sort of ‘mix up’ when Mr Coombes spoke to them.
“We were completely horrified that someone could deliberately make these false accusations against us,” Mr Coombes said.
This isn’t the first incident that this family have had to deal with. “David’s mum suffered a stroke earlier in the year and we had to leave the children with his 21-year-old daughter who is more than capable of looking after them” said Mrs Coombes.
But when they returned a few days later she received a phone call from Social Services after someone had reported that her children had been neglected and not properly cared for.
“We couldn’t believe it, we have always been very loving and devoted parents and would never endanger the lives of our children” said Mr Coombes.
Both Mr and Mrs Coombes suffer with anxiety and depression and the recent letter has left them feeling isolated from the community. “We have a few ideas who is making these allegations but don’t feel its right to confront them directly” said Mrs Coombes.
“All we want is our lives to return to normality again. We feel like we are being harrassed for something that isn’t our fault. The next step for us is to sit back and wait in the hope that this kind of publicity will stop those harrassing us and stop them making these preposterous allegations so we can just get on with our lives”.
News
Three men charged with cannabis production after major bust in Llandysul
THREE men have been charged with producing cannabis following a police raid on the former school on Heol Llyn y Fran, Llandysul, on Friday (Nov 15).
During the operation, officers uncovered a substantial cannabis grow consisting of 737 plants, which were seized as evidence.
Armeld Troski, 29, Njazi Gjana, 27, and Ervin Gjana, 24, have been charged with producing a controlled class B drug. All three have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court today (Nov 18).
Officers remain at the scene as they continue to remove items and conduct further enquiries. Local police have assured the public that they will maintain a presence in the area while the building is secured.
A spokesperson said: “We are committed to making our force area hostile to those who produce and deal drugs. The local community can help us by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity. Any bit of information, no matter how small it may seem, could make a big difference.”
Residents who are concerned about drug-related crime or suspect someone is being exploited are encouraged to report their concerns. Reports can be made online via the police website, by emailing, or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Local officers have thanked the community for their ongoing support and cooperation.
Business
Milford Haven Port Authority in Burry Port Harbour takeover talks
MILFORD Haven Port Authority is in the frame to take over the running of Carmarthenshire’s only harbour.
The Trust Port is in discussions with Carmarthenshire Council, which owns Burry Port harbour, after the previous operator went into administration.
Council cabinet members discussed a harbour report behind closed doors at a meeting in October, the minutes of which said they’d agreed to team up with a “reputable” third party, Milford Haven Port Authority, as soon as legally possible to “develop and sustain” the harbour.
The accumulation of silt and sand at the harbour and concerns about the state of its pontoons have been the cause of many complaints in recent years. A group, Friends of Burry Port Harbour, has been campaigning for action. The council had awarded a 150-year lease in 2018 to a company called Burry Port Marina Ltd to operate the harbour on its behalf. The company went into administration last year.
Speaking on November 4, cabinet members Cllr Hazel Evans and Cllr Alun Lenny said the council had a legal duty as the harbour authority and as its owner to take reasonable steps to ensure it could be used safely.
“We are, therefore, pleased to be able to update stakeholders and the local community that Carmarthenshire Council are in discussions with a reputable and trusted organisation to secure the long-term future of the harbour,” they said.
The Port of Milford Haven handles millions of tonnes of liquefied natural gas and various bulk cargo every year. A freight and passenger ferry service to Ireland also operates there. Its chief executive, Tom Sawyer, confirmed it was in discussions with the council about how it could support the marina operation in Burry Port. “As no formal agreement has been made yet it would be inappropriate for us to comment further,” he said.
Bob John, chairman of Friends of Burry Port Harbour, described Milford Haven Port Authority as well-established and experienced. Welcoming its potential involvement, Mr John said: “Once the formal side of things has been completed we will be looking to have a meeting with the county council.”
The harbour was placed under temporary management following Burry Port Marina Ltd’s administration, and Mr John said there have been some “minor improvements” since such as work at the approach to the harbour channel and the replacement of a barrel post. However, a dredging vessel sank in the harbour in January this year.
Mr John said the number of boat owners who used the harbour had decreased. “It is the only one in Carmarthenshire – it really is a jewel in that respect,” he said.
News
Police appeal after Nerf gun bullet hit baby
POLICE in Narberth are appealing for information after a disturbing incident on Kiln Park Road on November 6.
A mother and her baby were walking along the road when a foam bullet was fired at them from a Nerf gun.
The projectile struck the baby.
According to the mother, a dark blue hatchback car pulled up beside them before the gun was fired. The vehicle then sped off, heading either toward Narberth town or the Pemblewin roundabout.
The incident occurred just before 5:45pm.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police using the following details:
- Online: Submit information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 101 (Quote reference: 24000944199)
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