News

Dog grooming salon go-ahead at Kilgetty takeaway appeal site

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE dog groomer has been given permission to open a salon at the site of a proposed Kilgetty takeaway which was granted on appeal last year after an earlier refusal.

Lauren Malloy, of Saundersfoot, sought permission from county planners for a change of use of the site at Llyniams, Carmarthen Road.

Miss Malloy, in her application said: “The property has previously been approved for other uses with a previous owner. It’s currently residential upstairs with recent planning for two commercial units downstairs. One unit has recently been approved planning to be a fast food (kebab) and the other unit a barber shop (in current use).

“I am a dog groomer and run my own business at 10 Meyrick Street Pembroke Dock (Lauren’s dog grooming). I am wanting to purchase the property, but my mortgage lenders will not release the mortgage until I have change of use on the unit.

“My plan is to live upstairs and run my business downstairs in the unit which has current use as a kebab and wish to rent the barber shop separate to my business.”

A report for planners, recommending approval, said: “Whilst there is an extant planning permission for the change of the residential use on the ground floor of the building to a hot food take away it appears that this has not been implemented.”

It added: “The proposed new use would have positive social impact through the provision of a new service in the settlement as well as providing job opportunities.

“The proposed dog grooming salon would provide a new opportunity for a business outlet within an area characterised by a mix of commercial and residential properties which would encourage a sustainable community and a thriving economy in compliance with [planning policies].”

The application was conditionally approved.

Last summer, the previous owners were granted permission for a takeaway on appeal after it was turned down the previous November.

That application was refused on several conditions, including the site being some 400m away from the nearest public car park, which it was felt would lead to customers’ vehicles parking on double yellow lines outside the premises.

It was also felt that “the hot food takeaway is likely to attract some customers who would behave in an inconsiderate manner and generate undue noise and disturbance late in the evening which would have a detrimental impact on the occupants of nearby residential properties at a time when they should reasonably expect some peace”.

Following refusal, the applicants appealed to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) – through agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries – against the decision.

A planning inspector accepted the appeal, concluding that proposal “would be unlikely to cause harm to the living conditions of local residents”.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.