News

Bluestone promises to consider local residents at operational review following Herald petition

Published

3 years ago

May 17, 2023

BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK has promised to review its banning of the residents of Pembrokshire from The Blue Lagoon water park at its next ‘regular operational review’.

The announcement came in a press release just days after The Pembrokeshire Herald launched a petition to persuade the firm to allow Pembrokeshire residents back into the facility.

At the time of writing the petition had been signed by nearly 600 locals.

Since Covid, Bluestone have allowed only Bluestone guests in, despite public money being pumped into the facility.

That public money was by way of a loan – granted on the basis that the public could use the park.

But at a controversial secret meeting in 2009 the previous council administration – the IPPG – signed away these rights and swapped the loan for shares. At the current rate that dividends are being paid of the shares the public could be waiting 370 years for its money back.

In response to questions asked by this newspaper, and following the launch of the petition, a spokesperson for Bluestone released the following: “The Blue Lagoon water park is one of Bluestone National Park Resort’s major attractions for guests staying at the resort, near Narberth, due to its all-weather facilities.

“Following the pandemic, and due to a combination of covid restrictions and the safety of our staff, guests, and residents of Pembrokeshire, the difficult decision was taken only to allow staying guests access to the venue, which remains in place but is under constant review.”

A spokesperson added: “As part of these regular operational reviews, we are once again considering this and the impact on the overall guest experience at the water park. This includes considering potential opportunities for Pembrokeshire residents. We are hoping this review will be completed shortly and hope to announce any plans in the summer.”

“In the meantime, access to Blue Lagoon is free for all guests staying on an overnight Spa break or a short break in our resort accommodation and for any employee of Bluestone and their families.”

In the meantime Bluestone encouraged people to get a job with them to get access to the water park. Arnatively, they company said, there is “currently an option” to purchase ‘guest visitor day passes’ to access the water park if you have a friend or family member staying at the resort.

Cllr Mike Stoddart said “Congratulations to The Pembrokeshire Herald for the success of its efforts to have Bluestone reconsider the decision to stop Pembrokeshire residents from using the Blue Lagoon.

“This shows the power of the press working with the public. I hope Bluestone will now press on and allow locals access to a facility we have all paid for.. It’s worth remembering that the same people who nodded through the deal are now trying to return to power through the back door.”

To sign the petition please click HERE

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

1 hour ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.