News

Ice cream parlour plans would provide new public toilets

Published

3 years ago

June 6, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to build new public toilets, as part of a seaside a ice cream parlour scheme, will avoid the spectacle of “men urinating in broad daylight,” its applicants have said.

The application, by Mike Harris, includes a beach-themed small retail unit and a small rear extension for a kitchen at closed public toilets next to Newgale Campsite, Newgale, is to be heard at the June meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee.

The plans, which include a new public disabled toilet to be provided by the applicant, are recommended for refusal at the June 7 meeting.

Applicant Mike Harris, who will speak to the committee when the application is heard, said: “The absence of a toilet for beach users and visitors to North area of Newgale beach has resulted in much local concern, especially from local residents, who now witness men urinating in broad daylight in the vicinity of the former public toilets on a regular basis.

“Video evidence of this has been submitted to the case officer and Haverfordwest police.”

He added: “Members are actually deciding [on Wednesday] whether or not there will be public toilet facilities at the busy north beach area at Newgale.

“The takeaway café is secondary in importance, but we feel it makes good use of a derelict building and provides the income to help finance the upkeep and maintenance of the public toilets free at the point of use, and at no cost to the taxpayer. It will retain 100 per cent of the accessible toilets at the busiest area of the beach.”

Responding to the recommendation for refusal, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries, of Hayston Development & Planning Ltd, has disputed the reasons given.

He also said: “It is clear that [local development plan policy] seeks to protect community facilities like these toilets, however, at the same time [the national park] cannot enforce Pembrokeshire County Council to keep them open.

“What is unique is the building is actually owned by Mr & Mrs Mike Harris and PCC has benefited from a ‘free lease’ for 30/40-plus years. However, as early as 2018/2019 PCC needed to make financial savings in regard to the provision of toilets and this was allocated to close and is closed today.

“In August 2022 a deed of release was signed between the applicant and PCC and, at the cost of Mr Mike Harris, a new disabled friendly toilet facility will be provided.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

4 minutes 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

20 minutes 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

33 minutes 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.