News

Plans underway for grant funding bid to reopen popular path

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is finalising plans to bid for Welsh Government funding to repair and reopen the recently closed Wiseman’s Bridge to Saundersfoot path.

The popular route, which is also a section of the National Cycle Route 4, had to be closed on safety grounds following landslips in November, December and most recently February.

Pembrokeshire County Council understands the concern among residents about local access and that a plan is needed to address the issue with landslides attributed to heavy rainfall over recent months.

Shared use path cliff stabilisation works will be discussed at Cabinet on March 11th, which will include a focus on possible funding.

The route also forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 4, and is one of the longest in the UK. Annual visitors along the route totalled 481, 684 in 2023 and was vital in supporting the local economy within Saundersfoot.

The Council has been working closely with Welsh Government, and the Welsh Active Travel Board to submit a bid application for funding works to restore the link.

There was a recent visit to Saundersfoot to view walking and cycling routes within the village, along with the landslide area.

It is anticipated that a bid for Welsh Government funding within the Active Travel scheme to help cover the cost of the remedial work required can be submitted.

This will include not only clearing the area, but to also undertake engineering safety works to re-stabilise the cliff in the affected areas.

In conjunction with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA), a second funding application could be submitted via the National Parks Partnership Cycling Projects Fund.

In the meantime, there is continued risk of further rock falls and the public are asked to respect the closure of the path and avoid the area.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.