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National Park planners set to refuse toilet conversion to ice cream parlour

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A SCHEME to turn surplus public toilets to a takeaway ice cream parlour/coffee bar is expected to be refused by national park planners despite the offer of a new toilet.

The application, by Mr M Harris, includes a beach-themed retail unit and a small rear extension for a kitchen – and a new public disabled toilet as required by Pembrokeshire County Council – next to Newgale Campsite, Newgale.

Old toilet block: Could it becomes new ice cream business?

The development proposed was part of a wider scheme, intended to be presented in a report to the February meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Development Management Committee, which was withdrawn following a site visit by members in January.

Repeating an objection to the previous scheme, the National Trust objected on both the design and scale of the proposed building and to the principle of development within the flood zone, while local community council Nolton & Roch, raised no objections.

One letter of objection has been received raising concerns about potential customer safety due to a lack of parking and competition with nearby businesses.

A report for planners stated: “The building has historically been provided and used by Pembrokeshire County Council for the purpose of providing public toilets with the land on which it is built being under freehold ownership of the applicant.

“It is unclear from the planning statement submitted with the planning application if the toilets are currently in use. Whilst the county council may have relinquished the site, the use of the building remains sui generis as public toilets and they have been in situ since the 1970s.

Under threat?: There has been an ice cream van in Newgale for years

“PCC has advised that they will relinquish the toilets at the request of the landowner following protracted discussions in relation to the ownership of land on which the toilets are constructed.

“It has been suggested that this will come with the proviso that a single cubicle, accessible for all is retained for public use within the building and open daily from Easter to the autumn half-term holiday, although it is not clear whether this will only be the case if the proposed development takes place or not.”

It is recommended the application be refused by national park planners at their June meeting on the grounds the proposal is in a flood risk area, it seeks “to increase and intensify development uses within the coastal change management area” contrary to adopted policy, and other criteria including being outside a retail centre and in a countryside location.

The report finishes: “The policy conflicts are not outweighed by other material considerations, including for the avoidance of doubt, the provision of an accessible toilet facility at this location.”

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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