News

New 20mph speed limit in St Dogmaels is welcomed

Published

5 years ago

June 28, 2021

Pictured at St Dogmaels are (left to right) Cllr Phillip Hutchings, Chair of St Dogmaels Community Council, Fiona Andrews from St Dogmaels 20 is Plenty for Us, Cllr Phil Baker, Clare Williams, Senior Traffic & Road Safety Engineer, and Cllr Mike James.

NEW 20mph signs have gone up throughout St Dogmaels as part of a Welsh Government trial to reduce the national speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in residential areas.

The village is one of eight settlements chosen from across Wales to trial a consistent and steady 20 mph speed limit in preparation for the proposed national roll out.

It comes as overwhelming evidence shows that lower speeds result in fewer collisions and a reduced severity of injuries; and consistent evidence of a reduction in the number of casualties when 20mph limits are introduced.

Cllr Phil Baker, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said lower speed limits are also the key to healthier streets.

“It creates more opportunities for walking and cycling, and enhances quality of life – families and older people are more likely to stop and chat outdoors when there is slower traffic and the environment is quieter and calmer,” he said.

Local families have welcomed the scheme – pictured is Finley from St Dogmaels 20 is Plenty for Us

The new speed limit has been welcomed by community group St Dogmaels 20 is Plenty for Us. Member Sally Davies, who lives with her young family on the High Street, said: “Living in such a wonderful village with a 20mph speed limit gives myself and my four children greater confidence and happiness to cycle and walk through the village.”

Fellow member Fiona Andrews added: “We are delighted that the new, safer and friendlier 20 mph speed limit has now been rolled out in our village.

“Our traditional streets are very pretty but, like many rural villages, also narrow, and in some sections there are no pavements at all. Local parents with young children and older residents say they will now feel much happier and less stressed getting around the village. There is more freedom and independence for younger locals and less isolation for older residents.

“We are very grateful to Pembrokeshire County Council for all the work that we know has gone in to preparations to introduce the scheme.”

Cllr Mike James, the county councillor for St Dogmaels, said the scheme had been very well received by residents, and that it would also benefit visitors.

Freya from St Dogmaels 20 is Plenty for Us

“We’re proud that St Dogmaels is a popular village and we welcome many visitors throughout the year,” he said. ““The introduction of a 20mph speed limit, encouraging everyone to travel at a lower speed throughout the village, is key to enhancing the community, safety and visitor experience.”

The other pilot settlements in Wales are Abergavenny, Central North Cardiff, Severnside in Monmouthshire, Buckley in Flintshire, Cilfriw in Neath Port Talbot, St Brides Major in Vale of Glamorgan and Llanelli North.

Crime

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

Published

16 hours 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.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.