News
Hours extension granted to farm shop
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Licensing Sub-Committee approved an application to extend the opening hours of a farm shop and café in the tiny hamlet of Bubbleton, near Penally.
Meeting on Tuesday, April 27, the Committee considered an application made by Bubbleton Farm Ltd that would allow an extension to its licensing hours the café could provide further catering provision, including serving alcohol, until 10 pm at night.
None of the relevant statutory authorities, Dyfed-Powys Police and the Council’s environmental health department objected to the application.
The Committee accepted that, in the absence of specific observations from those bodies, it had to accept they were content with the application and believed it a routine matter that did not need their involvement.
Bubbleston Farm has a licence to serve alcohol during its regular opening hours every day between 9 am and 6 pm. It operates in accordance with those provisions and has done so for some time without incident.
Presenting the application for Bubbleton Farm Ltd, Thomas Evans told Committee members that the extension to hours sought was to meet demand and secure the future of the enterprise.
The extended hours did not mean, Mr Evans said, the location would host a bar every night of the week. The café needed to extend its licensing hours to allow the hosting of occasional events; for example, barbecues, at which alcohol could be legally served.
Questioned by the Chair of the sub-committee, Cllr Tim Evans, Mr Evans said that the last year of Covid restrictions had proven gruelling.
Mr Evans said there was increased local interest in attending outdoor catering events, such as those covered by the application.
There was evidence of a sophisticated local customer base who appreciated the chance to go to occasional barbecues outside their homes and have a drink with their food.
He explained the Farm’s planned to hold barbecues during the summer months and that each event would end before dusk.
Mr Evans continued to say the barbecues would be organised on a more-or-less ad hoc basis, depending on the weather. Details of an event would be circulated on social media in the three days leading up to one.
The Committee had two written objections.
The first objection came from a neighbour and expressed concern about the possibility of ‘late night revelry’ and the potential that, were music played, the quiet locality would become ‘a mini Glastonbury. A thought which the correspondent wrote, ‘fills us with horror’.
Asked to address the question of music being played at the premises, Thomas Evans could not recall asking for a live music licence. There was no indication of one being requested on the licensing officer’s report. Although the box was ticked on the application form the subsequent section was blank.
Mr Evans told members of the Committee he did not want a live music licence.
Recorded background music played during the day and current evening hours and that was enough. He explained with his own young children living on the Farm, he was mindful of potential disturbance and did not require a licence for live music.
The second letter of objection came from the non-resident owner of a nearby property.
That letter said: ‘Whilst I am not always present at the property (my wife and I share our time between the property and our primary residence in Berkshire), I am concerned that the proposed extension of the hours for the sale of alcohol will have a negative impact on the relative peace and tranquillity we enjoy at the property’.
The Committee members noted the objections, although neither objector was at the meeting.
Cllr Tim Evans noted the comprehensive way in which the applicant both prepared and presented its case.
After a brief retirement to consider its decision, the Committee approved the application.
News
Housing plans for former Penally asylum seeker camp
THE EARLY stages of plans for a potential housing scheme at a Pembrokeshire military training camp, controversially used to house asylum seekers, have been submitted to the national park.
The camp, which has been in existence since 1860 as a military training facility, was prominent in the headlines between October 2020 and March 2021 when it became the controversial base for asylum seekers.
Amid protests from inside and outside its gates, the camp housed up to 250 asylum seekers at the height of its occupancy.
It came under fire from its residents and independent inspectors for its poor living conditions.
After the last of the asylum seekers departed, it was handed back to the MoD by the Home Office, who had previously repurposed it, the camp itself closed in late 2022, and was put up for sale the following year.
During the camp’s usage there were protests from both inside and outside the camp, with more than 200 people protesting at one stage against the plans and numerous arrests made.
The camp housed up to 250 men at any one time, and a 30-strong group of them took to the streets of Tenby in a march to show their unhappiness at what they said was their ‘prison-like’ environment.
At the time of that 2021 protest by the camp inhabitants, a spokesman for Stand Up to Racism West Wales said: “They have had enough of the poor food, bullying from security staff, cold huts, lack of medical care, blocked toilets, poor adherence to Covid regulations (some staff don’t bother to wear masks), lack of mental health support, but above all, being treated as prisoners rather than asylum seekers.
“Things must change.
“They need to be transferred to proper accommodation. Other camps in England are doing this.
“Why not Penally?”
Despite the-then Home Secretary Priti Patel maintaining that there had been consultation with ‘everybody’, a 2021 independent report stated that the Home Office did not consult in advance with local stakeholders – such as those who needed to set up healthcare for residents.
The inspectors were from the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP).
Their report highlighted ‘filthy’ conditions in parts of the accommodation and residents feeling ‘depressed’, ‘hopeless’ and ‘trapped in poor conditions’.
An early stage ‘observations’ application, validated by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, lists “Proposed residential redevelopment of the former Penally Training Camp,” the scheme listed as being received on January 7 and currently being processed.
The national park has been approached for further details about the scheme proposed.
News
UK Government acknowledges rail funding shortfall in Wales
THE UK GOVERNMENT has, for the first time, admitted that Wales has been underfunded in rail infrastructure. However, despite this significant acknowledgment, concrete financial commitments remain absent, raising concerns about the future of Wales’ rail network.
In a letter from Transport Minister Heidi Alexander and Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens, the Government admitted that railways in Wales have suffered from “low levels of enhancement spending” in recent years. The letter follows criticism of underinvestment compared to projects like HS2, which has excluded Wales from its benefits while consuming billions of public funds.
The correspondence recommended prioritising key initiatives, including new stations on the South Wales mainline and upgrades to the Borderlands line between Wrexham and Liverpool, as suggested by the North Wales and South-East Wales Transport Commissions and the Union Connectivity Review. However, it stopped short of detailing how much funding Wales can expect or whether spending levels will align with those in England.
First Minister: A ‘step forward’
First Minister Eluned Morgan called the admission a “massive step forward,” noting during a Radio Wales interview that this marked the first time in 14 years the UK Government has admitted to underfunding Wales’ railways. However, she cautioned that discussions are ongoing and described the Welsh Government’s “long list” of rail projects ready for potential funding.
Morgan reiterated her concerns over HS2, labelling its classification as a project benefiting both England and Wales a “fundamental injustice.” She argued that Wales should receive at least 5% of the HS2 budget—a consequential sum of around £4bn—none of which has yet materialised.
Plaid Cymru: ‘Labour failing to deliver’
Plaid Cymru criticised the First Minister’s optimism, accusing Labour of failing to secure the funding Wales is owed. Llyr Gruffydd MS argued that the letter fails to address the unfairness of HS2 or commit to rectifying the £4bn shortfall. He called for the full devolution of rail infrastructure to ensure Wales receives equitable investment.
Gruffydd said: “The First Minister must be reading a different letter. It does not acknowledge the unfairness of HS2 nor promise to right the wrong of the £4bn consequential owed to Wales. Labour must deliver on their promises if they are serious about fair funding for Wales.”
Calls for reform
Transport experts have echoed calls for substantial reforms. Professor Stuart Cole advocates for the full devolution of rail infrastructure, allowing Wales to manage its transport priorities. Meanwhile, Professor Mark Barry proposes that, in the absence of devolution, Wales should receive a ring-fenced fund of £2bn to £3bn over 15 years to address critical infrastructure needs.
What next for Wales’ railways?
While the UK Government’s recognition of underfunding is a crucial first step, the lack of firm financial commitments leaves Wales in uncertainty. The Wales Rail Board has highlighted immediate priorities, including Metro-style services, new stations, and capacity upgrades. However, with the UK Government citing public finance constraints, it remains unclear whether recognition will lead to real investment.
As spending decisions loom, Wales faces a critical question: will the UK Government back its words with action, or will this become another missed opportunity to rectify decades of neglect?
Photo caption: Underfunded: Wales’ rail network faces an uncertain future despite acknowledgment of funding shortfalls (Pic: Herald).
News
Survey vessel stranded at Newgale beach prompts RNLI response
A 24.5-METRE survey vessel, the MTS Terramare, found itself in a precarious situation after becoming stranded on Newgale Beach on Tuesday (Jan 14). The vessel, reportedly involved in cable work, sparked curiosity and concern among locals as it remained grounded throughout the day and into the evening.
The boat arrived at approximately 7:00am but by nightfall, its predicament had worsened. Witnesses reported seeing the vessel broadside onto the beach, with waves pounding its deck and flashes of electrical arcing visible on board. Concerned onlookers gathered on the shingle ridge to watch as the drama unfolded.
At 6:28pm, HM Coastguard called on St Davids RNLI for assistance. The all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched at 6:40pm, navigating through the darkness to reach Newgale. Sea conditions were challenging, with three-to-five-foot surf waves crashing onto the pebble bank at high tide. Upon arrival, the lifeboat’s daughter boat was deployed to assess the situation.
The vessel, weighing 100 tonnes and suffering from an engine failure, was unable to maintain its position and had been driven onto the pebbles. With water inundating the deck, the RNLI team considered various options to assist. Efforts to use salvage pumps and set up a towline were deemed unfeasible due to the vessel’s size, weight, and the dangers posed to the lifeboats and volunteer crews.
The crew of the MTS Terramare safely disembarked onto the beach, and with no lives at risk, the RNLI teams stood down. The Norah Wortley returned to station by 8:20pm, ready for its next call-out.
RNLI Coxswain Will Chant explained the decision to leave the vessel: “The RNLI mission is to save lives at sea, and we endeavour to save boats if possible. However, it is beyond our remit to salvage. In this instance, the size of the vessel and its position broadside to the beach compromised a tow. Once assured the crew were safe ashore, there was nothing further our lifeboats could do.”
The incident has drawn attention from the local community, with a dozen spectators gathering to witness the stranded vessel. Questions remain about how the MTS Terramare will be recovered and what led to its grounding.
The Herald will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
Brave effort: St Davids RNLI battled challenging conditions to assist the stranded vessel (Pic: The Pembrokeshire Herald).
-
Top News1 day ago
Dock man threatened to kill male with golf club, court told
-
News15 hours ago
Survey vessel stranded at Newgale beach prompts RNLI response
-
Charity3 days ago
Charity seeks homes for hens destined for slaughter in Pembrokeshire
-
Crime1 day ago
Trial continues into Swansea city centre murder case
-
Crime1 day ago
Father-of-two sentenced for destroying car
-
News3 days ago
Lost wedding film discovered 58 years after local couple’s marriage
-
Top News2 days ago
Police investigation underway after teenage boy allegedly assaulted at Haverfordwest train station
-
Health2 days ago
Cancer patients face long waits for diagnosis and treatment in Wales