News
Campsite toilet block can stay after planning battle

A PEMBROKESHIRE campsite toilet/shower block built without planning permission will be able to stay at a county farm, in part due to the support of a former council leader.
Mrs Hodge of Simpson Hill Farm, Simpson Cross, near Haverfordwest had applied to Pembrokeshire planners for a Lawful Development Certificate for the block, saying it had been on the land and in the same use for over a decade.
An application for a certificate of lawful development allows an applicant to keep a development if they can provide proof of use over a prolonged period, normally in excess of four years.
A supporting statement through agent Harries Planning Design Management said: “The evidence provided seeks to demonstrate that the toilet/shower block has been on site for over 10 years and therefore constitutes lawful development. Therefore, logically the only reason a toilet/shower block would be located within a field in the countryside would be to support a campsite which has been in operation for as long as the toilet block has been in situ.”
In a supporting letter, former council leader and Camrose County Councillor Jamie Adams, of Keyston Hill Farm, said: “I have lived at the above address for over 50 years and have actively farmed for the last 40 years.
“We have, on occasion, had animals stray onto the neighbouring land which is the campsite run by the late Mr Bert Lavis, so I have witnessed first-hand the active use of the land over at least 30 years for camping.
“The site has been in active use to the present day and by passing regularly on the Simpsons Cross to Nolton Haven Cross road I have again witnessed patrons entering and exiting the campsite.”
An officer report, recommending the granting of the certificate, said a similar certificate of lawfulness for the use of land as a campsite, made last year, was refused.
On the toilet block, it said: “Dated aerial photography, and dated photographs of the toilet/shower block provided by the applicant support the submission.
“A letter in support of the submission was provided by Cllr Adams, whilst this considers the use of the land the building operations are sited within, it does not consider the building operations subject to this application specifically.
“Based on the information available, planning statement and dated photographs, it is considered on the balance of probability that the building operations comprising of the laying of a gravel hardstanding, erection of a toilet/shower block building and associated drainage infrastructure, has existed for a period in excess of four years.”
News
A40 closed after serious crash near Wolfscastle

AIR AMBULANCE LANDS AT SCENE AS TRAFFIC DISRUPTED
THE A40 between Wolfscastle and Haverfordwest was closed in both directions on Friday afternoon (Apr 11) following a serious road traffic collision.
The crash, which was first reported at 12:10pm, prompted a significant emergency services response, including Dyfed-Powys Police and the Wales Air Ambulance, which was seen landing at the scene shortly after the incident.
AA Roadwatch confirmed that the road was shut in both directions, with slow-moving traffic and congestion reported in the surrounding area for several hours after the collision.
Police urged motorists to avoid the area and to seek alternative routes while emergency crews dealt with the incident.
At the time of writing, no official update has been given on the number of vehicles involved or whether there were any injuries. Dyfed-Powys Police have been approached for comment.
Traffic disruption remains ongoing, with live road maps showing long delays approaching Haverfordwest from the east.
More updates will follow as information becomes available.
Crime
Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.
The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in relation to an investigation of assault.”
No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.
Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.
The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Business
Haverfordwest opticians celebrate 100 years of long service

WALES’ LARGEST Specsavers store is celebrating a series of individual long service milestones, with nine team members collectively marking a century of long service in 2025.
At the heart of the celebrations is Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest, who has worked at the company for 20 years.
Since becoming a partner in 2006, Mr Britton has overseen the store’s transformation from a small site with just four test rooms to a state-of-the-art £1.2 million premises at 21 Riverside Quay. The enhanced store now boasts 14 test rooms equipped with cutting edge technology and a significantly larger team, growing from 11 to 45 employees.
Haverfordwest residents benefit from Mr Britton’s clinical expertise – he holds multiple postgraduate diplomas that allow him to prescribe medication directly to customers, helping to ease pressure on local GP surgeries and hospitals. He has also led the introduction of enhanced services, including glaucoma monitoring, ensuring more people can access specialist care closer to home.
Reflecting on his career, Mr Britton says: ‘It’s been a privilege to serve the Haverfordwest community over the last 20 years. I’m proud of the team we’ve built and the progress we’ve made – all with the aim of delivering the best possible care for our customers.’
Mr Britton’s anniversary was celebrated alongside colleagues Elise Evans, Gareth Riley and Carrie Lewis-Jones – each marking 15 years with Specsavers – as well as other team members celebrating 10 and five-year milestones.
Fellow director, Wayne Jones, was among those celebrating five years with the business, after joining the Haverfordwest store in 2020. He was named a finalist for Optometrist of the Year at the Optometry Wales Awards in 2023 and then in 2024, joined forces with Mr Britton as retail director of the store.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr Jones says: ‘Our team’s experience and dedication are what makes Specsavers Haverfordwest so special. Reaching 100 years of individual long service milestones in 2025 is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a real testament to the commitment of our colleagues, and we look forward to many more successful years ahead.’
To mark the occasion, the directors hosted an in-store awards ceremony, presenting certificates and bottles of champagne to the nine long-serving team members celebrating.
Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.
Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.
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