News

Council’s investment in Bluestone to come under scrutiny

Published

3 years ago

May 9, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S £1.9m financial involvement in the Bluestone holiday village will come under the spotlight next week.

At the May 11 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council, a question submitted by Councillor Alan Dennison will ask: “Given the council’s previous investment in Bluestone of a £1.9 million secured loan, now converted into shares, can the Cabinet member advise what return on investment per annum has been received over the last five years in share dividends or any other form of income?”

The £110m Bluestone eco-resort, near Narberth, opened in August 2008.

Back in 2009, it was reported that the county council took up an equity share option in the company behind the Bluestone holiday village.

It has previously been reported that amounted to three per cent of shares in Bluestone.

The decision to take up the shares – without paying out any new money – in Bluestone Resorts Ltd was made behind closed doors at a council cabinet meeting.

The report to members was also confidential.

The county council had previously loaned Bluestone Leisure Ltd — the previous company — funds at the time the multi-million pound project was first unveiled.

Bluestone Resorts Ltd was created following a restructuring of the business in 2009, that secured about £10m of extra investment.

In 2013, a management buy-out secured Pembrokeshire’s Bluestone National Park Resort in local ownership.

Back in 2015, Councillor Michael Williams raised the loan issue at full council, asking: “Several years ago PCC made a loan to Bluestone Ltd. What was the amount of the loan, and what were the terms and conditions of the loan?”

He was told two loans were made, the first, dated November 22, 2006 in respect of the Bluestone Roundabout was for £803,000, with the first repayment six months after opening to guests and further repayments on a quarterly basis.

The response also noted a capital element of £50,000, with interest at 6.25 per cent per annum.

The second loan, dated 22 November 22, 2006, of £1m was in respect of Waterworld; with the first repayment 24 months after practical completion, and further repayments on a quarterly basis.

The response also detailed another capital element of £50,000.

In response to a supplementary question by Cllr Williams on what repayments had been received, he was told that, in terms of the original loan, two repayments had been received prior to the structuring of the investment being altered into share capital and that they were £68,954 and £59,974.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.