News
Sanctuary which saved 53 pigs from ‘horror farm’ to lose buildings

RETROSPETIVE plans for buildings at a Ceredigion animal sanctuary, which housed more than 50 pigs rescued from harrowing conditions at an illegal slaughterhouse in Pembroke Dock (pictured), have been refused.
Sash Bennett, of Tanrallt, Coxhead, Tregaron, through agent Rural Advisor Ltd, sought permission to keep a 2019-built livestock building for the housing of 60 pigs, and 2019-built timber field shelters and stables used to accommodate the pigs, along with one touring caravan used to provide overnight accommodation for volunteers, and one holiday pod and separate toilet.

The application relates to the Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary, which has been running since 2009, with a related a certificate of lawful development application submitted last year seeking the continued use of the land as a sanctuary for rescued pigs, sheep, horses, dogs and a cat currently ongoing.
In that related application, Rural Advisor Ltd said: “There is no clearer example of the achievements of Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary that in the case of the 92 pigs which have called the Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary their home for the past four years.
“These pigs were rescued from an illegal slaughterhouse in Pembrokeshire. Following a high-profile court case which overturned a Destruction Order for 53 pigs (at the time) the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) stipulated that the animals were to be rehomed permanently with Sasha Bennett, the registered keeper, who had brought the legal challenge.
“The pigs are unable to be moved as they are deemed at risk of having Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) due to their consumption of dead animals, bricks, car parts and batteries during their time at the illegal slaughterhouse.”
In October 2019, the pigs were brought to Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary; the number of pigs had increased to 85 with a further number of pregnant sows, as they were not separated from boars at a government holding facility, the number ultimately ending up at 92.
Ceredigion County Council’s planners refused the application for a long string of reasons, including it would intensify the use of a substandard vehicular access, it is not supported by a Green Infrastructure Statement or detailed ammonia modelling, it is considered to give increase phosphorus levels within the River Teifi Special Area of Conservation (SAC) catchment area, and the glamping pod by virtue of its siting, devoid of the main farm building would result in the proliferation of development within the countryside and would be harmful to the character and visual appearance of the locality and special landscape area.

Crime
Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.
Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.
The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.
The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.
Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.
An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.
Charity
Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.
Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.
Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.
Crime
Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

Public trust at the heart of new strategy
DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.
The three core priorities of the plan are:
- Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
- Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system
Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.
Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.
“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”
Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.
“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”
A joined-up approach to justice
Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.
“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”
The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.
-
Business2 days ago
Digital marketing challenges for rural Welsh businesses
-
Community6 days ago
National triumph: Pembrokeshire pub ranked among the friendliest in UK
-
Education6 days ago
Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief
-
News6 days ago
Threatening email revealed: Why Neyland’s clerk missed controversial meeting
-
News2 days ago
Police report filed over Neyland Town Council email controversy
-
News6 days ago
Cat stuck in Pembroke Dock tree for days sparks local rescue effort
-
Health2 days ago
Emergency care failing in Wales, warns damming report
-
Business6 days ago
Key Pembrokeshire aerospace employer set to expand