News

‘Foolish’ driver banned for 24 months

Published

11 years ago

July 11, 2014

A HAVERFORDWEST man appeared in front of magistrates on Tuesday to face a charge of failing to provide specimen for a breath test and failing to stop.

Anthony Kane, aged 25, of St Davids Road, pleaded guilty to the charge. Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: “On May 31 at 11.35pm, an officer received information about a dark coloured Audi that had collided with another car in Quay Street, Haverfordwest and had failed to stop. “The officer was driving along Albert Street when he saw a dark Audi driving with no headlights on. It proceeded to drive down Barn Street and the officer put on his blue lights to indicate the driver to stop. The car carried on and crashed into a small bollard before stopping. “The driver was smoking a cigarette when stopped, though it didn’t mask the smell of alcohol on his breath. Two females were in the back of the car, and were pleading to be let out as they were scared by the manner of his driving. “A roadside test gave a positive reading and Kane was arrested. A wing mirror was recovered that matched that of the Audi’s from the collision in Quay Street. Kane was abusive to the officer and gave partial readings, which even though were not complete showed he was over twice the legal limit. “A witness said that she and her friend asked Kane for a lift to her friend’s house. They did not know Kane but didn’t have enough money for a taxi. When they were sat in the back, the driver hit another vehicle and did not stop. He mounted the curb by Haverfordwest leisure centre and said he had about 20 shorts. “The defendant now claims he had about three or four drinks and says he was on medication and can’t remember the events, though it must have been him.” Defending, Mark Layton said: “Kane was asked by the two females for a lift and he foolishly said yes. He had driven to one of the girl’s house, and one got out and the other stayed in the car. They could have got out of the car then, they were not being held in the car against their will and they could have got out at any time.” Magistrates fined Kane £135 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge. He must also pay compensation of £1200 for damaging the wing mirror and wheel arch of the Ford Focus. He was also disqualified for a period of 24 months.

Community

Shire horses to visit Canolfan Bethlehem for heritage talk

Published

1 minute ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Special event explores Dyfed Shires’ journey from Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade

A PAIR of magnificent Shire horses will be the star attraction at Canolfan Bethlehem in Trefdraeth (Newport, Pembrokeshire) on Wednesday evening, 28 May 2025, as part of a special heritage talk titled The Dyfed Shires Story – From Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade.

The popular community talk series at Canolfan Bethlehem continues with a unique opportunity to meet two of the Dyfed Shire horses in person. The horses will be on display on the lawn in front of the chapel from 6:00pm, with the talk itself beginning inside the chapel at 7:00pm.

The evening’s speaker, Mark Cole of Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, will share the story behind the farm’s founding and the remarkable journey that saw its horses selected to appear in ceremonial duties at Horseguards Parade in London.

Canolfan Bethlehem is a thriving community-run centre based in the former Bethlehem Chapel, which was saved at auction in August 2024 thanks to an ambitious local fundraising effort. Supporters raised £146,000 to secure the building for £145,000, transforming it into a Welsh heritage, arts, and culture hub.

The project received vital support from PLANED, the Narberth-based community development organisation. PLANED’s Community Assets Coordinator, Cris Tomos, praised the initiative: “The Canolfan Bethlehem community enterprise shows what can be done when people come together to preserve key assets for future generations. It’s fantastic to see the growing support for these regular talks.”

***Important project:*** *Cris re-opening the doors of the chapel once purchased by local investors.*

Community

Tenby Coaster returns for summer season

Published

7 minutes ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Open-top double-decker back on scenic Pembrokeshire route from Sunday

PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular open-top bus service is set to return to the roads this weekend, offering stunning views of the county’s coastline throughout the summer.

The Tenby Coaster, now in its fourth year of service, resumes its route between Tenby and Saundersfoot on Sunday (May 25), following a brief appearance over Easter.

The eye-catching blue and yellow double-decker, operated by First Bus, was the first of its kind to run in Pembrokeshire since the 1990s and has since become a firm favourite with both visitors and locals.

Each day, the bus travels from its Haverfordwest depot to the route’s starting point in Tenby, passing key attractions such as Carew Castle and Manor Wildlife Park—making it possible to enjoy an extended journey for those catching it early or late in the day.

Passengers can hop aboard the Tenby Coaster from the stop by the town walls in Tenby, with First Bus promising “breathtaking views and a scenic descent into Saundersfoot”.

The service will operate daily until September 6, with hop-on, hop-off tickets available for those wanting to explore along the way. Fares match those of other local services, with singles starting at £1.60, returns from £3.04, and group day passes for up to five people available for £17.50.

Contactless payment is accepted via the Tap On Tap Off system, and both Welsh Concessionary Travel Cards and mytravelpass cards are valid on the route.

More information is available at the First Cymru website.

News

Bid to build 12 houses near Pembrokeshire school

Published

9 minutes ago

May 24, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a housing scheme of 12 homes near a Pembrokeshire village school, which includes an affordable housing contribution of £30,000 and a new school footpath, have been submitted.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest-based Carew Castle Estates, through agent Harries Planning Design Management seeks permission for a housing development of 12 three-bed homes on land south of Sageston County Primary School, Sageston.

The application site comprises of the old school paddock in the centre of Sageston.

A supporting statement says: “This application seeks full approval for 12 detached residential units, with an adoptable access road off the highway. The proposed dwelling mix will comprise four house types, all with three bedrooms, with house type A providing slightly smaller units and house type D providing a one-and-a half-storey dwelling.”

It says an expected five per cent contribution to affordable housing would be met through a commuted sum of £30,519, secured by a Section 106 legal agreement.

It adds: “The proposal also includes a school footpath, with the land gifted to the school. The footpath will allow access to the school and will be controlled by electronic gates. This footpath has been designed in communication with the school governors to ensure that is required.

“We believe this footpath will provide positive community benefits and will ensure that the existing footpaths in the area link directly to the school. The footpath will be bound with anti-climb fencing and significant evergreen hedging to provide ample screening between the dwellings and the path. The footpath will be constructed by the school.”

It concludes: “This proposal is considered to offer an acceptable form of residential development in line with the local development policies. The proposal is respectful of its context and offers a range of tenure options for the market.”

The scheme will be considered by county planners at a later date.