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.

News

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

46 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

52 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

2 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.