News
County tops recycling league for second year in a row
PEMBROKESHIRE has done it again!
For the second year in a row the County’s residents have been crowned the best recyclers in Wales.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that Pembrokeshire remained the best-performing local authority area for recycling from April 2020 to March 2021.
A total of 73.2% of all waste collected by Pembrokeshire County Council was recycled during that period – the highest figure Pembrokeshire has ever seen – and up from the 72% the previous year.
The Welsh Government recycling target for local authorities is 64%.
Cllr Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said he was extremely proud at Pembrokeshire topping the charts for the second year in a row.
“This is fantastic news,” said Cllr Tomos.
He added: “To be number one for recycling in Wales again is a big achievement in its own right but to have actually improved the percentage of recycling from what was already an extremely high level is an incredible effort.
“I want to say a huge thank you to you, the people of Pembrokeshire, for your efforts and taking so enthusiastically to the waste and recycling kerbside collections that enabled people to recycle a wider range of items from home than before.
“Pembrokeshire wants to be leading the climate change agenda and become a leading sustainable energy hub nationally so cutting our waste and increasing recycling is an important part of those wider ambitions.”
As well as thanking Pembrokeshire residents for their efforts, Cllr Tomos also paid tribute to the collection crews, Waste and Recycling Centre operatives and the staff behind the scenes who have helped to make the achievement possible.
Pembrokeshire’s achievement was also praised by Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change Julie James, who said: “Congratulations Pembrokeshire for being Wales’ best recyclers for the second year in a row.
“Considering Wales is ranked third in the world for recycling, this is quite the achievement. We have particularly enjoyed working with Pembrokeshire County Council on the improvements to the collection service to separate your plastics, cardboard and glass at kerbside pick-up, and have been continuously impressed with your commitment to refine and improve your methods.
“Thank you to everyone in Pembrokeshire for doing your bit to fight the climate and nature emergency and accelerate the move to a more circular economy where we keep materials in use for longer and avoid all waste.
“This collective effort will help us build a Wales we can be proud to pass onto our future generations.”
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
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
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
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.
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