A CALL to allow the selling of alcohol as late as 10pm at a rural beauty spot former village tearoom which objectors fear will “create an absolute nightmare” exacerbating an already growing issue with antisocial behaviour from holidaymakers, has been given the go-ahead.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s February licensing sub-committee, members considered an application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton.

A report for members said it was proposed the premises, formerly a tearoom called ‘Ye Olde Worlde Café’ would open 8am-10pm, selling alcohol from 9am on and off site, seven days a week in the village.

Since the proposal for the site, close to the village pub The St Govan’s Inn, was publicised, 13 objections were received, including Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council.

In its submissions, the community council said it “will cause a significant public nuisance in the residential area”.

It said the ordinarily tranquil Bosherston, with its neighbouring beauty spot attractions of the lily ponds and St Govans currently has four well-established camp sites “which already frequently cause late night disruption, littering and anti-social behaviour caused predominantly by intoxicated individuals”.

It went on to say: “Instances of aggressive behaviour and trespass are already prevalent within the village by visitors under the influence of alcohol.”

Concerns raised by members of the public included fears of “an increased problem with drunkenness, drink driving and antisocial behaviour,” and it would “make life for the residents in the immediate area an absolute nightmare”.

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Sarah Jane Partridge said they shared “the same fundamental aims as the residents,” with the scheme “not about creating a drinking venue but a food-based family bistro”.

She stressed that campers were already able to buy alcohol from the pub, or bring their own to the campsites, adding the 84-cover bistro would introduce safeguarding measures around the sale of any alcohol; off-site sales consisting of ‘gift-set’-style alcohol craft packages rather than “cans of lager”.

Objector Rik Guly said there had been many public order incidents over the years in the 36-home village relating to visitors from the campsites, as well as empty beer bottles, tampons and tins littering the area, one farmer also having his ‘honesty box’ stolen on several occasions; the application “effectively throwing a catalyst for more alcohol consumption and more public disorder”.

He also raised concerns it could restrict access along the narrow road to the nearby coastguard building for emergency services.

Another objector Clare Strudwick said “almost half the village” was objecting to the scheme which would cause “unacceptable public nuisance”.

Representing the community council, local county councillor Steve Alderman, who once farmed in Bosherston himself, said post-Covid visitor interest in the area had been raised “immeasurably,” with huge numbers attracted to the area.

He said that, while “antisocial behaviour, both physical and verbal” and “a complete lack of respect for what is a marvellous-looking village” was “society’s fault,” the resident’s had a right to enjoy their quality of life.

After the committee deliberated, chair Cllr Tony Wilcox said they had considered the range of objections but considered they were “not of sufficient seriousness to consider rejecting the application”.

The licensing application was approved, objectors hearing that decision could be appealed within 28 days.

Cover image: An application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton was approved. (Image: embrokeshire County Council webcast.)

Prosecution says machete-armed gang carried out “carefully planned” attack

TWO men have gone on trial accused of involvement in an aggravated burglary at a Carmarthenshire home where intruders armed with axes and machetes stole £100 and other items.

Mohammed Mills and Michael Quinn deny the charge following the alleged raid at a dog breeder’s property in Garnant on May 29, 2021.

The trial is taking place at Swansea Crown Court.

Opening the prosecution case, Ian Wright told the jury the burglary was “carefully planned and organised” and involved a group of six men, four of whom have already admitted aggravated burglary.

Those who have pleaded guilty are Enrico Poli, 34, of Sale; Josh Whelan, 32, of Manchester; Craig Monaghan, 41, of Latchford; and Bradley Whitaker, 34, of Manchester. The prosecutor stressed that their guilty pleas were not evidence that Mills or Quinn were involved.

Weapons and convoy journey

The court heard a stolen Nissan Juke with cloned number plates travelled in convoy with a Volkswagen T-Roc from Manchester to Garnant on the evening of May 29.

Shortly before 9:00pm, masked men armed with machetes and axes allegedly smashed their way into the home, shouting: “Where’s the money?”

They left minutes later after realising police had been called, taking two £50 notes, a paying-in book and a sanitary towel.

The men then regrouped with Mills, who prosecutors say was driving the Volkswagen, before leaving the area.

Police stop on motorway

Mills was stopped on the M5 near Birmingham at about 11:10pm that night with Poli, Whelan and Whitaker as passengers.

Officers found an orange-handled machete, a balaclava and four pairs of gloves in the vehicle. Another balaclava was discovered concealed in Whitaker’s underwear, the jury heard.

The prosecution said the group had carried out a “dry run” the day before, with Mills allegedly driving them to Garnant and back.

Driver payment claim

In police interview, Mills, 37, of Glastonbury Road, Stretford, said he was paid £350 to drive men to Garnant on May 28 and was offered the same amount to repeat the journey the following day.

“He said he didn’t ask any questions because he was getting paid,” Mr Wright told the court.

Local connection allegation

ANPR cameras captured Quinn, 29, of Maes Y Bedol, Garnant, travelling towards Manchester around the same time, the court heard.

Prosecutors allege Quinn identified the property for the Manchester-based defendants.

Quinn was arrested in Barrow-in-Furness on November 20, 2021. Officers found an iPhone and an orange-handled machete under his bed.

He answered “no comment” to questions during police interviews.

Both men deny the charge.

The trial continues.

Two men deny aggravated burglary charges as Swansea Crown Court trial opens

TWO men from the Manchester area are accused of storming the home of a Pembrokeshire dog breeder armed with weapons and demanding cash, but leaving with just £100, a Lloyds Bank paying-in book and half a packet of sanitary towels, a jury at Swansea Crown Court heard on Tuesday (Feb 24).

Michael Quinn and Mohammed Mills each deny a charge of aggravated burglary following the alleged late-night raid at a bungalow on Cefn Road, Fishguard, targeting businessman John David Davies at the property he shares with his partner, Carmen Bailey.

The case is being heard before His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC.

Door smashed during terrifying ordeal

Reading from Mr Davies’ statement, the prosecution said he had been watching television with Ms Bailey when he suddenly heard banging at the front door.

When he got up to investigate, a glass pane was smashed and masked men climbed through the broken entrance shouting: “Where’s the money?”

During the incident, a witness who was on the phone to Mr Davies could allegedly hear shouting and commotion in the background and repeatedly asked whether the couple were safe.

Ms Bailey ran to the house phone and dialled police at 8:51pm. During the call, one of the intruders reportedly noticed her and shouted: “She’s on the phone.”

Property searched but cash missed

The court heard the men then began searching the bungalow.

Despite approximately £3,000 being hidden inside the property, the intruders left with just two £50 notes, a Lloyds Bank paying-in book and a packet of sanitary towels which was about half full, meaning only part of the pack was taken.

The prosecution said the raid lasted only minutes before the masked men fled.

Police outline Manchester connection

David Thomas, the officer in charge of the investigation, gave evidence describing enquiries and interviews carried out by police.

The jury heard that Mohammed Mills denied involvement in the alleged burglary, but investigators established he had driven from Manchester to Wales on May 28 and 29, 2021, for payment of £350.

A black balaclava was found in the boot of his vehicle, which Mills said may have been left there after a go-karting trip.

The court also heard he had been given two postcodes during the journey — one at the start and another about an hour later — directing him towards the Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen area.

Deleted messages recovered from his phone allegedly included the phrase: “Yo just got back, mission. P*** take.”

The prosecution allege the pair travelled from the Manchester area to Pembrokeshire intending to carry out a targeted robbery linked to the home-based dog breeding business.

Both men deny the charge.

The trial continues.