News
Soon-to-close Original Factory store, Milford Haven, to become gym

AN APPLICATION to change the use of a soon-to-be empty Pembrokeshire town centre shop to a health and fitness facility has been approved by county planners, who praised local investors “thinking outside the box”.
In an application before Pembrokeshire County council’s March planning committee meeting, Darren and Samantha Winn, of Inner Tiger Fitness, sought permission for the change of use of the former Original Factory Shop, 58-66, Charles Street, Milford Haven to a health and fitness facility with a retail/cafe element.
The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) opened its doors at the large two-storey Charles Street building in in June 2010, in the building that was originally occupied by Woolworths, closing early last year.
A report for committee members said: “The ground floor facing Charles Street is occupied by a large retail unit, with an extensive shop window, selling a range of comparison goods such as clothing and kitchenware. On the intermediate ground floor and lower ground floor levels are storage areas, staff offices and an external loading area.”
It said the scheme – supported by Milford Haven Town Council – would create two full-time posts and four part-time posts; the facilities operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Four objections to the proposal were raised covering the vitality and viability of the town centre, parking noise and disturbance, and waste services.
Speaking at the meeting, applicant Darren Winn said: “What we’re proposing isn’t just a gym, a health and wellbeing centre open to all walks of life, not just your typical gym-goer,” adding the ‘café’ element would take the form of a ‘protein bar’ rather than a traditional café, describing it as “a social space for people after they’ve worked out, a place to hang out afterwards, increasing your mental health as well as physical health.”
Committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock moved the recommendation of approval be adopted, saying: “I think this is a very well worked application; town centres are going to have to have much more multifunctional use.”
Cllr Mark Carter said there was a need for town centres to “think outside the box” in the days of town centre retail trade suffering through “the likes of Amazon,” adding: “The operation that was there before, if they can’t sort of make things happen it’s down to local investors to make things happen.”
Members unanimously supported the application.
Community
Police assist as loose horses cause concern near Pembroke Leisure Centre

A GROUP of loose horses caused alarm near Pembroke Leisure Centre on Sunday (March 30), prompting a police response and reigniting concerns over the ongoing issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene to ensure public safety and attempt to secure the animals, which had been spotted wandering in the area.
This latest incident comes amid growing frustrations over repeated occurrences of horses roaming freely on roads and public land, or on private land without the landowner’s permission.
The problem of fly-grazing—where horses are left to graze on land without consent—has become a serious issue across the county, with multiple cases reported in recent months including at St Daniels Hill in Pembroke. In that case, horses were eventually removed following a long struggle by landowner Paul Hay, who said the situation had caused significant distress and called for new legislation to protect the public.
Last month, one local resident reported her father suffered head injuries and wrote off his car after hitting a loose horse on the A477 in the dark. Despite the severity of the incident, no further police action was taken, fuelling anger among residents.

County Councillor Jonathan Grimes has been liaising with local authorities and police in a bid to address the issue, while members of the public have also come forward to share experiences of property damage and road closures.
The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for a statement about the latest incident.
Anyone with concerns about loose horses which may cause a danger to traffic or pedestrians can call the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
Community
Funeral arrangements confirmed for popular local entertainer, Matt Baker

THE FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for Matt Baker, affectionately known as ‘Mr Good Times’ of Haverfordwest.
Matt passed away on March 15 aged 49. He was the much-loved son of Phyllis and stepson to Aad, and son to the late Paul. He was a devoted brother to Reuben, his wife Cath, and Simeon, and a beloved uncle to Aston, Dylan and Axel.
Matt was well known in the local community for his cheerful nature, positive outlook and ability to bring people together. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
His funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 11:00am at Pembrokeshire College Theatre. This will be followed by interment at Freystrop Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Matt, in aid of mental health causes, can be made via a donation box at the wake following the interment.
All enquiries should be directed to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors on (01437) 763821.
Charity
Emergency services unite for charity at Pembroke Dock Fire Station

A CHARITY car wash at Pembroke Dock Fire Station drew crowds on Saturday (Mar 29), raising money in support of The Firefighters Charity.
The event, organised by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, ran from 10:00am to 4:00pm and saw a steady stream of local residents turning out to support the cause. Visitors were able to get their vehicles washed by firefighters, with all proceeds going towards helping fire service personnel and their families.
Among those showing support were local police officers, with PCSOs 8020 and 8112 from Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police making an appearance. The officers not only lent their encouragement to their emergency service colleagues but also had their police vehicle given a good hosing down.
“It was very busy with lots of local people supporting such a good cause,” a police spokesperson said. “Well done to Phil and the team, and a special thank you for hosing down our police vehicle whilst we were there.”
The event highlighted the strong sense of camaraderie between emergency services in the area and the ongoing support from the community for their efforts.
For more information on future events and ways to support The Firefighters Charity, visit tancgc.gov.uk or mawwfire.gov.uk.
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