News

Tenant fined for ignoring warnings to remove rubbish

Published

2 weeks ago

May 8, 2024

A TENANT who continued to let rubbish pile up outside his home despite receiving multiple warnings is facing a hefty court bill.

Richard Cook of Trafalgar Road, Haverfordwest, had been issued with a Community Protection Notice (CPN) following repeated incidents where refuse and household waste was left outside the property.

The situation reached a level where it was considered to be a risk to public health, safety and welfare and the rubbish was attracting rats.

Despite visits from Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) Environmental Services staff to educate and offer advice, plus warnings from Public Health officers and Mr Cook’s landlords ATEB, the situation remained unchanged.

The CPN was issued on November 29^th 2023, requiring Mr Cook to remove all refuse and household waste from the front and the rear grounds of the property and dispose of it appropriately within 14 days.

When the CPN was served there was a large accumulation of uncovered black refuse sacks containing household waste, old cardboard boxes and a smashed door left in the front of the property.

On Wednesday 13^th December 2023, a PCC Public Health Officer attended again at the property and found there was still refuse/ household waste and a mass of uncovered black bags piled in a large heap at the front of the property.

The tenant had also made no effort whatsoever to clear the refuse and accumulated waste from the rear grounds of the property.

A prosecution was subsequently taken for breach of the CPN.

Mr Cook failed to attend Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Thursday 4^th April 2024 and the case was proved in his absence.

He was fined £440 and must pay surcharge of £176, plus full costs of £1,235.90.

The Council will now consider direct action and charging the outstanding amount back from Mr Cook.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Council Cabinet Member for Housing Operations and Regulatory Services, said: “Our officers and partners from ATEB have tried many times to engage with Mr Cook and try to resolve this issue without having to resort to enforcement.

“However, the requests have simply been ignored and we have been left with no choice but to use the powers available to force removal of this waste which is attracting rats and vermin.

“I welcome the court’s decision to impose a significant fine in this case.”

Crime

Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order

Published

13 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Court Reporter

AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.

On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.

The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.

The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.

News

Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved

Published

14 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.

The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.

The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.

Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.

“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”

Crime

Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire

Published

15 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.

Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.

Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.

Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.