News

Railings around Laugharne Castle garden refused after ‘stone-throwing’

Published

1 year ago

August 8, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

HERITAGE experts have disagreed over plans to install railings around a garden at Laugharne Castle.

Welsh heritage body Cadw said vandals have been throwing stones at pets in the garden by the castle’s outer gatehouse and applied to Carmarthenshire Council for planning permission to put up railings to deter them.

Because the castle is a listed building and scheduled ancient monument, Cadw was a statutory consultee, meaning its views were sought to help the council determine the proposal.

It did not object to the application but the council’s own heritage team was less enthusiastic.

A heritage team response said the railings would be “incongruous” and would not preserve the character and appearance of the Laugharne Conservation Area.

It also said the team was not aware of police reports of stone-throwing vandals.

The response advised that CCTV or increasing the height of the wall surrounding the garden would be better options than railings of just over five-and-a-half feet at their highest.

Laugharne Township Community Council objected to the application, saying that instances of vandalism were very minor. It added: “Members of the council have no recollection of seeing any young people in this area, which is in public view and adjacent to the main road through Laugharne.”

The county council went on to reject the application on the grounds put forward by its built heritage team.

Laugharne Castle dates from 1116 and was said to be where King Henry II and Rhys ap Gruffydd – also known as The Lord Rhys – agreed a peace treaty in the late 12th Century. It later changed hands twice during the English Civil War.

The castle and its outer gatehouse are grade one-listed while the boundary wall to the west has a grade two designation.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

19 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.