News

Pembroke Dock: Councillors minded to refuse HGV tanker park plans

Published

4 years ago

February 8, 2022

PROPOSALS to locate a HGV tanker park in Pembroke Dock have been described as ‘out of order’ by councillors.

The proposed location of the site is on land at Criterion Way, behind the Asda petrol station, but it has been met with objection from a number of councillors and locals.

Councillors also said that the proposed site was the wrong location, adding that there were a number of suitable alternatives.

After a lengthy debate at a meeting of the Planning Committee on Tuesday (Feb 8), councillors voted that they were minded to refuse the application.

Officers will now look at grounds for refusal before bringing it back to a future meeting of the committee.

Pembroke Dock Town Council had previously voiced their objections to the plans while at a previous meeting of the Planning committee, members voted to visit the site.

Cllr George Manning spoke again on behalf of the Town Council while Cllr Paul Dowson also expressed his concerns about the plans.

Asked about the types of lorries that could use the road, Cllr Dowson said that both types of the vehicles would ‘tear up the road surface’.

He also said that it would ‘hamper’ the efforts of those who currently work next to the proposed site.

Speaking passionately against the proposal, Cllr Brian Hall said: “I cannot understand the statement from the agent who says there are serious concerns if they cannot find a place. There are far more serious concerns for the people of the town.

“There has been no consideration for the people of Pembroke Dock. The Port Authority have had meetings with the Town Council and they have said they want to work with the town council and that they want to be good for the town. This is totally opposite, it is out of order, nobody really wants it here.

“I cannot believe that they haven’t looked sufficiently for other sites. This is total greed by the Port Authority, they don’t give a damn for the people of the town. I will move refusal of this, it is totally out of order.”

That was seconded by Cllr Tony Wilcox who said he agreed with what had already been said and added it was an ‘environmental hazard waiting to happen’.

“This is the wrong spot, they haven’t done their homework. The Kingswood site is absolutely ideal.”

Committee chair, Cllr Jacob Williams said it was his view that the proposed site was the wrong location and said he couldn’t see why there was a need to have empty tankers on that site.

Councillors heard from the agent who said there was no plan B and were told that it could lead to an appeal if they were to refuse it.

Cllr Hall said if it did there would be a petition signed by many people in Pembroke Dock and that this would cause ‘all sorts of problems’.

Other councillors said they were finding it difficult to decide but were minded to go with a refusal having heard what had been said.

Cllr David Pugh added: “We’ve got ourselves in a bit of a pickle with this one. I didn’t have a lot of concerns about the site itself but having listened to what has been said, on balance, I think this is the wrong location for this enterprise. I do support the ‘minded to refuse’ decision and hope that the agents might reconsider the alternatives. I have been struggling with this, it is a very difficult choice.”

Cllr Vic Dennis said it would basically be a big car park and that it wouldn’t bring much economic benefit to the town.

Before the vote was taken, Cllr Hall thanked members for their support.

Twelve members voted that they were minded to refuse the application, with one councillor abstaining.

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

14 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

38 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.