News

Child neglect allegations cause family distress

Published

12 years ago

October 8, 2013

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”.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.