News

The climate is changing and so must Pembrokeshire

Published

4 years ago

November 8, 2021

COP Cymru 2021

AS PART of the COP Cymru series of events, Pembrokeshire County Council hosted a COP26 Regional Roadshow at the Botanic Gardens.

Today’s event (Nov 8) provided partners and businesses from across the South West of Wales to engage in important conversations about climate change – and an opportunity for all of us to help shape our future.

The theme of the roadshow was Adaptation and Resilience – looking at how we can collectively ‘deliver the practical solutions needed to adapt to climate impacts and address loss and damage’.

Including key speakers from business and environmental partners, the event highlighted three areas of concern; Resilient Energy – need to decarbonise in a sustainable and cost effective way that supports people through the transition; Agriculture and Food Independence – climate change is a significant and growing threat to food security; and Climate Change Risks and Adaptation on our Coasts – The shape of our coastline is changing and incidents of flooding are increasing in severity.

The latter looked at the ongoing work at Newgale to address the issues that occur along the coastal road following severe weather.

Council Leader David Simpson provided the introductory words via video message and spoke of his pride, what has been achieved to date in Pembrokeshire and the important steps the authority is taking towards a green energy future.

This event and others which are taking place across the region during COP26, is part of Pembrokeshire’s drive to be a net zero authority by 2030.

Cllr Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Welsh Language and Public Protection, said: ‘Adaptation and Resilience is crucial if we are to be adequately prepared to face the impacts of the changing climate.

‘With the support of everyone involved, today’s regional roadshow enabled us to take a deep dive into how we can build resilient infrastructure and agriculture, protect and restore habitats and support those most vulnerable to climate change.

‘We are excited to bring the net zero message to Pembrokeshire, and share the net zero agenda of organisations, community groups and individuals playing their part in creating a sustainable future for the county and across south west Wales.

‘The roadshow sits perfectly with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Climate Emergency Net Zero Carbon Plan, which aims to encourage collaborative action by educating and engaging with residents and businesses to develop a net zero journey.

‘This partnership approach will play a crucial role in achieving our climate ambitions and showcase the range of initiatives in development across the whole of the region as we look to reach net zero carbon by 2030.’

As the UK continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, Pembrokeshire is ready to adapt to the climate crisis, which remains a priority for the whole planet.

Crime

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

Published

7 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

7 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

8 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.