News

Fishguard hotel becomes town eyesore

Published

11 years ago

June 24, 2014

FISHGUARD RESIDENTS were angered this week, as a local pub become a town eyesore.

The Abergwaun Hotel, situated in Fishguard’s town centre, was suddenly boarded up with metal sheets, which caused outrage amongst local inhabitants and Town Council members. The issue was even brought up and discussed in a Town Council meeting, held on Tuesday 3 June. Councillor Richard Grosvenor complained that “slapping pieces of tin on the windows”could be damaging to the town’s economic regeneration, and Councillor Alex Allison expressed concern of the timing, as Pembrokeshire heads into the height of the tourist season, suggesting it made Fishguard look like the “middle of Belfast”. Town Clerk, Sarah McColl- Dorian, said of the situation, “As soon as I saw the metal boards go up I contacted the brewery, Brains. They said it was done for insurance purposes, an insurance order, in fact. I then contacted My Pyart, at Pembrokeshire County Council, who confirmed that, whilst the building was not a listed building, it was in a conservation area and that this boarding had not adhered to planning regulations. These boardings are technically shutters and therefore need planning permission, and they should remove them.” A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council told The Herald that, “Council Planning Enforcement officers have contacted the head of Properties and Acquisitions at SA Brain requesting that the company remove the screens at the Abergwaun Hotel within 21 days. If the company has a need to secure the site prior to a successful sale, officers have invited an application incorporating a design which preserves the character of the area”. Brains Brewery confirmed that their insurers had insisted on the boarding in order to protect the building, a pub which they say has proved unviable. They made it clear that they were more than willing to enter into discussions on any future sale of the property to any interested parties.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 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

4 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

4 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.