News
Application submitted to rebuild weather-damaged wall at historic Blackpool Mill
AN APPLICATION has been submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners to rebuild a weather-damaged riverside wall at the historic Blackpool Mill, now a restaurant.
Bluestone Resorts Ltd is seeking permission to replace a collapsed riverside retaining wall at the Grade II*-listed Blackpool Mill, located at Blackpool Bridge near Narberth.
A supporting statement from agent Graham Frecknall Architects states: “Blackpool Mill is a Grade II*-protected heritage asset located on the south bank of the Cleddau River at Blackpool Bridge.
“The property was granted formal planning and listed building consent in 2020 to convert the former museum into a restaurant with ancillary on-site facilities, and it opened to the public in July 2023.
“In October 2023, following a period of heavy rainfall and high tides, a large section of the existing stone-faced riverside retaining wall—situated immediately adjacent to the main mill building and the rear gable of the store—collapsed into the Cleddau River. In November 2023, after discussions with conservation and NRW officers, temporary works were installed to prevent further collapse and erosion while a permanent solution was sought.
“The proposals for the new retaining wall aim to recreate the coursed stone façade of the pre-collapse structure using modern, structural materials, designed and coloured to match the basement stone façade of the main mill building.”
The restaurant opened in 2023 after Bluestone CEO William McNamara secured permission in 2020 to restore the historic mill. A total of £3 million was spent on preserving, restoring, and transforming the Georgian building and its grounds.
The 210-year-old mill was renovated by skilled craftspeople and engineers, who worked to preserve its historical character. The restoration included the installation of 53 traditional sash windows in keeping with Georgian architecture, as well as custom-made staircases. Original milling equipment, including connecting rods and braces, was also restored to reflect the mill’s industrial heritage.
The restaurant’s opening created 35 new jobs across both front and back of house.
The latest application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
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.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
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