News

Controversial planning application sparks uproar among residents

Published

8 months ago

July 17, 2024

TENSIONS are escalating among Pembrokeshire residents ahead of a contentious planning committee meeting scheduled for Monday, July 23, due to alleged procedural breaches by the planning authority.

In a strongly worded email addressed to the planning committee, Bevis Musk, a concerned resident, outlined the apparent irregularities associated with the handling of the application. According to Musk, the required protocols have not been observed, as agendas and reports must be published three clear working days prior to the committee meeting, which means by July 18. Additionally, the public consultation period does not conclude until the close of business on July 19, raising concerns about premature judgement.

“The planning authority clearly intends to prejudge the application and will have unfairly influenced Members with a recommendation before they are in possession of all the facts,” Musk wrote. He further emphasised that any decision made under these circumstances would be legally flawed and suggested that the inclusion of 24/0063/PA in the upcoming meeting’s agenda could be deemed illegal. Musk warned that several objectors are prepared to take immediate legal action if the application proceeds as planned.

Musk also invoked the Human Rights Act 1998, specifically Article 10, stressing his lawful right to address the committee. He cautioned that any attempts to prevent him from speaking or tampering with the meeting’s recordings would be considered acts of corruption and an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

In a subsequent email, Penny Davies echoed Musk’s concerns, expressing bewilderment at the Council’s actions. “Taking this to Committee next week is so obviously unfair and flawed that it beggars belief,” Davies wrote. She questioned the urgency of the matter, implying that the only beneficiaries of such haste are the developers, and accused the Council of bias. “There will be no impartial decision made next week and any such decision will be made on the basis of a biased prejudged recommendation that hasn’t taken all relevant considerations into account,” she added.

The growing discontent among residents underscores the demand for a transparent and fair process. The planning committee’s decision to proceed with the application in the face of these objections will undoubtedly be scrutinised closely by the community.

The Pembrokeshire County Council has been asked to comment.

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.