News

Wedding fees and charges agreed despite private sector concerns

Published

5 years ago

February 16, 2021

CABINET members have approved changes in charges for the council’s registration services although some councillors said they were uncomfortable about giving their support.

Councillor Tessa Hodgson said they needed to consider the difficulties that private businesses had been having while Cllr Neil Prior said there were other areas they should be looking at.

Cllr Phil Baker thanked the officers at the registration services for their hard work over what he described as an ‘extremely difficult 12 months’.

He added: “The report seeks cabinet approval for the changes to the registration service fees and charges. The fees and charges are reviewed annually to ensure they are set at the optimal level that achieves full cost recovery where appropriate but is also mindful of the need for market pricing in a small number of situations in order to stay competitive.

“I would like to confirm that as a result of the pandemic, the majority of bookings for summer 2021 are the postponed ceremonies from 2020 and last year’s fees will be honoured in these cases.”

Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “I think it is important that we acknowledge the difficulties that private businesses in the wedding sectors will have faced this year and the year to come. They will be in extreme financial difficulty and I think we need to be extremely mindful that we are entering a competitive market but with the cushion that we can afford to take some losses in the first year which a private company is not able to do.

“I’m going to abstain from voting on this today because I think we do need to consider the private companies who work in what is an extremely competitive field.”

Cllr Phil Baker understood her concerns but said it was going to be a ‘bumper year’ for everyone.

Scolton Manor will also be looking to host wedding this year but it was highlighted that they would only looking to host around ten so it would not undermine the private sector.

Cllr Neil Prior added that he was uncomfortable with the charges stating that there were other areas to be offering subsidies rather than for a small number of weddings.

When it was put to the vote, there were eight votes in favour, Cllr Neil Prior voted against and Cllr Tessa Hodgson abstained.

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Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

6 seconds ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

5 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.