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News

Chaotic scuffle erupts at Pembroke’s Michaelmas Fair

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‘PEMBROKE town centre bore witness to a tumultuous scene on Thursday evening when a dispute between a group of local youths escalated into a major fracas during the annual Michaelmas Fair.

Tensions flared and spiraled into what can only be described as a full-blown brawl, leaving onlookers stunned by the mayhem that unfolded.

Eyewitnesses recounted the ordeal, with one stating, “The fair attendees were attempting to defuse the situation, but the local youths were unrelenting. It quickly devolved into a mass brawl.”

The incident has ignited fervent calls for an immediate review of the security and oversight measures enforced by the Dyfed-Powys Police and the private security team responsible for managing the three-day extravaganza known as Pembroke’s Michaelmas Fair.

Expressing his concerns, Pembroke town and county councillor, Jonathan Grimes, commented, “I’m afraid the police presence in this vicinity leaves much to be desired. The Pembroke Fair has long been a contentious issue in the town. However, it is an event steeped in history and tradition, spanning centuries.”

Councillor Grimes further noted, “Efforts have been made to engage with the showmen and local businesses before they set up, but these attempts often fall through, and they simply materialize.”

He went on to highlight that nearly two-thirds of Pembroke’s town center is commandeered by rides and stalls, leading to a significant number of local merchants opting to keep their doors closed throughout the event.

“This event kicks off on Thursday evening and continues into Friday evening and all through Saturday, causing substantial disruption,” added Councillor Grimes. “Local shops don’t benefit, and the sole beneficiaries are the showmen.”

Concerns have also been raised regarding the fair’s social impact, particularly on the town’s younger residents. Councillor Grimes stated, “I’m aware that a considerable amount of underage drinking occurs in and around the fair, and naturally, we grapple with a significant drug problem here in Pembroke, as is the case throughout Pembrokeshire.”

Highlighting the role of street pastors, he continued, “Last year, the street pastors were present throughout, often responding to incidents long before the police or PCSOs could arrive. In light of the events on Thursday evening, it is imperative that the entire fair is thoroughly evaluated to prevent such occurrences in the future.”

In the meantime, the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Neighbouring Police Team confirmed that they responded to the street fight incident on Thursday. They also disclosed plans to conduct a post-fair debriefing session with Councillor Grimes to assess this year’s event alongside previous editions.

The origins of the Michaelmas Fair can be traced back to Pembroke’s medieval charters, granting the town the privilege to host markets and fairs during specific times of the year. Traditionally held on the second Thursday in October, it was originally a hiring fair where farm workers sought servants and laborers for the upcoming year.

Community

Fly-grazing horses finally removed from St Daniels Hill, Pembroke

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THE LONG-RUNNING issue of fly-grazing on St Daniels Hill in Pembroke has finally seen action, as illegally left horses have now been removed from the land. The situation had been causing significant distress to residents and road users alike.

Paul Hay, a local funeral director and landowner, announced in a post on the Pembroke Dock & Pembroke Citizens Forum group on Facebook that the horses, which had been left on his land without permission, were finally removed after a prolonged struggle.

Danger to road users: Horses have been left on the side of local roads to graze

“After considerable worry and stress, with numerous phone calls and texts from concerned motorists and residents, I am delighted to inform you that the horses have been removed from our land on St Daniels Hill in Pembroke where they have been illegally fly grazing for a considerable time!” Hay said.

Hay explained that, although some believed the land was common land, it has actually been in his family for generations, having previously belonged to his grandfather. He described the ordeal as both a challenge and a nightmare for him and his family as they attempted to go through the proper channels with the police and the council. He also called for new legislation to be pushed through Parliament to enhance the safety of both road users and the animals themselves.

Growing concerns

The seriousness of the problem was highlighted this week by a post on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page. Caroline Briggs said: “My dad hit and killed an Irish coloured cob in Kilgetty. There were two loose horses on the A477 in the dark. He wrote his car off and was taken to Withybush and sustained head injuries. The police did not pursue the case. Something MUST be done about this problem.”

Horses were spotted fly-grazing in Reynoldston, Pembrokeshire, in recent years

The ongoing issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire continues to spark frustration and safety concerns among residents, with local authorities working to find a resolution.

County Councillor Jonathan Grimes (Pembroke St Mary South & Monkton) has been engaging with residents, Pembrokeshire County Council, and Dyfed-Powys Police to address the increasing problem of loose horses, particularly on St Daniels Hill. The presence of unmonitored horses poses a significant risk to road users and property owners.

One affected resident shared their experience, expressing frustration over repeated incidents involving loose horses damaging their property. “All I can say is when I looked out the window, I saw two horses running around my property and ran outside, where I saw the police. I told them that they were not mine and that it was the second time the horses had been at my property in less than 24 hours. It took the police and members of the public around 30 minutes to catch them. The road on St Daniels Hill was closed off. What happened to the horses afterwards, I couldn’t tell you, as I was trying to keep my children and dogs inside the house while the police dealt with it.”

Threats against journalist and councillor

Helped to get the horses moved, but faced threats: Cllr Grimes

After posting an article about this issue over the weekend, The Herald received a very nasty phone call. Editor Tom Sinclair explained: “We received a threatening phone call from a male claiming to be the owner of the horses asking us to remove our story. The call included threats of violence and intimidation. The caller was also threatening violence against Cllr Grimes for trying to help the community with this problem. We do not remove newspaper articles on threat of violence. When asked if anything was inaccurate in the article the caller couldn’t think of anything, just kept ranting. The owner needs to sort their horses out, not threaten journalists doing their job to highlight the dangers of these animals running wild.”

Authorities have assured residents that they are working on a solution to prevent further occurrences. However, questions remain as to whether enough is being done to tackle the persistent problem.

Residents affected by fly-grazing incidents are encouraged to report concerns to Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police as efforts to address the issue continue.

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Business

Pure West Radio appoints new commercial director

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ALISON Lewis-Belton has been appointed as the new Commercial Director of Pure West Radio, bringing extensive experience in tourism, marketing, and business development to the role.

Ali has held key positions, including Director of Helicharter Wales, CEO of Pembrokeshire Tourism, and MD of her consultancy, Outsource Me. Most recently, she served as Head of Marketing and Operations at Celtic Holiday Parks. Her expertise in strategic planning, sales, and revenue generation, along with her strong connections in both local and national business communities, is expected to play a crucial role in the station’s future growth.

Speaking about her appointment, Ali said: “For me, business growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the journey—and there’s no place I’d rather take that journey than here in Pembrokeshire. While I’ve worked extensively across Wales and beyond, this county has always been my home, my base, and the heart of everything I do. Pembrokeshire is in my DNA. I relish the opportunity to work with the outstanding people at Pure West. It’s a privilege to be part of the next chapter of the station’s growth.”

Toby Ellis, Station Manager at Pure West Radio, said Ali’s appointment marks an important step forward for the station.

He told The Herald: “Ali joining the team is a real game-changer for us. She brings an incredible passion and fresh energy that align perfectly with our ethos. It personally means so much that someone of her calibre believes in our vision and journey. We know she’ll play a key role in driving new opportunities for local businesses and strengthening our connection with the community. With Ali on board, the future of Pure West Radio looks brighter than ever.”

Pure West Radio, Pembrokeshire’s leading digital and community radio station, continues to expand through DAB broadcasting, live events, and business collaborations. With Ali leading commercial operations, the station aims to further strengthen its role in the local media landscape.

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News

Crymych Football Club launches £90,000 fundraising campaign to secure new pitch

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Crymych Football Club – Clwb Pel-droed Crymych – has announced plans for a major new fundraising campaign in a bid to raise £90,000 to fund a new football pitch.

 The ambitious project aims to provide an accessible pitch for the club, which currently boasts two senior teams with 90 signed-up players and a newly formed rapidly growing junior section, attracting over 80 youngsters.

Since its inception just six years ago, Crymych Football Club has gone from strength to strength. In 2023, the club achieved a significant milestone by purchasing its own clubhouse at the Crymych Arms Pub, a hub for players, supporters, and the wider community. Now, the club is turning its attention to securing a dedicated football pitch to further its development and ensure a bright future for football in the Crymych area.

Club Chairman Gary Phillips said: “This is an incredible opportunity for the community to come together and support a project that will benefit generations to come. Our junior section has grown exponentially, and having our own pitch will allow us to nurture local talent and provide an additional focal point for the village. We’re offering a win-win situation – a great return for investors and a lasting legacy for the Crymych area.”

To raise the necessary funds, the club is now inviting individuals to lend £1,000 over three years at an attractive annual interest rate of 4%. This investment opportunity also comes with the added benefit of 30% tax relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), making it a financially rewarding way to support local sports.

With the 4% interest guaranteed, this scheme offers a better return than leaving £1,000 in a traditional savings account. By participating, supporters will not only earn a competitive return on their investment but also play a vital role in securing the future of football in the Crymych Area.

The pitch project is being supported by the community charity PLANED which supports local charities and associations in purchasing and asset transferring property for community benefit. The football club also has support from the Football Association of Wales in developing the new site.

The new pitch will not only serve as a home for the club’s senior and junior teams but will also become a valuable community asset, hosting local events and fostering a sense of pride in the area.

With the support of the community, Crymych Football Club is confident of reaching its £90,000 target and securing a bright future for football in the area.

Those interested in supporting the campaign can find full details of the lending scheme by visiting www.cpdcrymych.cymru. Alternatively, application forms are available at the Crymych Arms Pub or Siop Sian in Crymych.

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