News
‘We don’t want it’: councillors object to HGV tanker park plans

PEMBROKE DOCK town councillors have objected strongly to plans to build a HGV tanker park in the town.
The tanker park would be located on the south-western side of Criterion Way, behind the ASDA petrol station.
However, at a meeting of the town council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday, April 13, councillors were in agreement that it would create more problems for the town.
Councillor Jonathan George said: “I’ve noted the public input on this and they don’t seem very happy about where it’s going to be put.
“It is close to a small park area and I don’t think it’s suitable to put this here. I won’t be supporting this.”
Cllr George Manning added: “There are many aspects of this which are totally inappropriate for Pembroke Dock. There are many other sites available but they haven’t looked at any of them.
“This does not do anything for the Future Generations act and it will bring more disruption to the town.
“This does not bring about any improvements to the existing transport infrastructure. There are lots of things about this, we don’t want it. I don’t think they have looked into it in enough detail.”
Cllr Gordon Goff said that the impact it would have on the public and wildlife would be ‘astronomical’.
He went on to say he was not happy with one of the statements in the application and said they ‘don’t want to be blackmailed’.
One of the documents submitted with the application states that if the development was not approved it would mean that the applicants, Certas, ‘will either have to find a different site’ or ‘will have to cease operating in the area’.
Cllr Terry Judkins said that the Port Authority wanted to ‘use Pembroke Dock as a dumping ground’ and added that he could not support it.
Cllr Maureen Colgan added that she was ‘totally against’ the application and said that the area should be kept for leisure and be developed as an area where people can sit and enjoy themselves.
The application is due to be decided by Pembrokeshire County Council at a later date.
Cllr Paul Dowson has already called in the application for it to be debated by the County Council’s Planning Committee.
In his request he states that it is too near habitation, it is within the Pembroke Dock conservation area and that children have been using the area near the bandstand as play area for over 20 years.
The area had also previously been the subject of an application for a marina and other leisure facilities but that investment was written off in 2017.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sentenced for offensive online messages

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a community order after admitting to sending offensive messages via social media.
Steven Butler, aged 39, of Douglas James Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to a charge under the Communications Act 2003.
The court was told that between October 23 and October 29, 2024, Butler sent a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages intended to cause distress to the recipient, a female we have chosen not to name
He was sentenced to a 17-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.
A restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Butler from contacting the woman or referring to her online, except via legal representation in relation to any proceedings.
The restraining order remains in force until November 14, 2026.
He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Crime
Teenager faces Crown Court trial for knife threat in private home

A TEENAGER from Haverfordwest is facing trial at Swansea Crown Court after being accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife in a private property.
KIAN KELLY, aged 20, of Milford Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place.
The court heard that on March 8, 2025, Kelly allegedly threatened Benjamin Kelly with a kitchen knife at 22A Hill Street, Haverfordwest, in a way that posed an immediate risk of serious physical harm.
He also faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place without good reason, and another charge of criminal damage to household items belonging to Margaret Kelly.
He pleaded not guilty to the knife charges and guilty to the criminal damage offence during a previous hearing on April 11.
Kelly was remanded on conditional bail with strict terms, including a nightly electronically monitored curfew from 8:00pm to 8:00am, and a prohibition from entering Hill Street or contacting any prosecution witnesses.
He is next due to appear at Swansea Crown Court for trial on September 18, 2025.
Entertainment
Musicians unite for climate concert in Cardigan

TWO local musicians are joining forces to raise awareness of the climate and nature crisis through a special concert at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, May 31.
The event, titled Singing for Life, will begin at 7:00pm and will feature original compositions by singer-songwriter and classical pianist Rosalind Powell, alongside music from Matthew Douglas, who performs under the name Drift.
Powell, well-known in the area for her piano recitals and songwriting, said she felt a strong desire to do something meaningful in response to environmental concerns. “Music can bring people together in powerful ways,” she said. “This event is about raising our voices — quite literally — for a cause that affects us all.”
Douglas, who shares Powell’s passion for protecting the natural world, was quick to support the idea. His performances under the moniker Drift combine reflective lyrics with a contemporary sound, offering a contrast to Powell’s classical influences.
The evening is being held in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR), with all proceeds going to support their local campaigning work. Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested donation of £8. Refreshments will be served during the interval between the two acts.
Organisers say everyone is welcome, regardless of political affiliation. “This is about raising awareness, sharing music, and connecting with one another,” Powell added.
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