News

Johnston petition calls for homeless to be removed

Published

5 years ago

June 23, 2020

THE USE of a motel as temporary accommodation is the subject of a petition complaining about anti-social behaviour by some of those moved there.

The petition has around 500 signatures, not all from Johnston residents. It calls for the removal of those housed at the Silverdale to alternative sites within Pembrokeshire

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pembrokeshire County Council rented lodges at the Silverdale in Johnston. The Council’s original plan for the Silverdale was to house people stepping down from hospital care to community-based care who were not ready to return to their own homes.
However, faced with a directive from the Welsh Government to control the risk of spreading the virus among the homeless population and those sleeping rough, the Council had to change its plans to accommodate homeless people from Pembrokeshire at the motel.

Speaking at a Council Committee meeting earlier today (Jun 23), Johnston’s county councillor Ken Rowlands said he had been inundated with complaints about drunken and yobbish behaviour by some of those moved there.

Cllr Rowlands said he hadn’t been told of the Silverdale’s use before arrangements were made and said he had made representations to Council Chief Executive Ian Westley, the Police, and the Council’s social services department.

Ken Rowlands said he was not satisfied by the information he received and said he had fielded many emails complaining about those accommodated there breaking social distancing rules and being drunk – and possibly under the influence of drugs – in public.
Responding to Cllr Rowlands, the County Council’s Director of Social Services, Jonathan Griffiths, said the Council were aware of complaints and were in constant communication with Police about the nuisance alleged to have been caused.

Mr Griffiths said not all of those at the Silverdale should be or deserved to be tarred with the same broad brush. He added that the Council was placed under an obligation placed on it by the Welsh Government and the lodges at the Silverdale were available and identified as suitable accommodation to meet it.

The Council has used the Silverdale as short-term accommodation for the homeless in the past.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

5 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

5 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.