News
Plans to relocate Pembroke Dock police station on hold

PEMBROKESHIRE planners are to visit the site of a proposal to move Pembroke Dock’s police station from its “no longer fit for purpose” Water Street location to a former council building.
In an application recommended for approval at the March meeting of Pembrokeshire county Council’s planning committee, Dyfed Powys Police, through agent Asbri Planning Ltd is seeking a change of use of the former Public Information Centre, Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock to a police station.

A supporting statement says the former council public information centre has been deemed surplus to requirements due to changes in working patterns, with Dyfed Powys Police declaring a strong interest in purchasing the property “to enable a more efficient building to house their new model hub for policing” than its current building in nearby Water Street.
It adds: “Should planning be approved, Dyfed Powys Police will progress with the sale of the current police station with the property then being advertised for sale on the open market.”
The statement went on to say: “The proposed re-location of the police operation from Water Street to Argyle Street will require no alterations to the building; it is considered adequate for the intended use with no changes required. The nature of policing also means the transition should be seamless as it is akin to a business use moving back into the property. The office is served by adequate parking for the intended number of employees without a need for any additional spaces.”
Speaking at the March meeting, agent Barrie Davies told members there would be no custody suite at the proposed new location, the situation at the current Water Street station.
Representing local objectors to the proposed move to Argyle Street, Lucy Cawley said it was “the busiest residential street in Pembroke Dock,” and the nearby Argyle surgery one of “the busiest in Wales,” saying the scheme would have a negative impact for residents, with so many vehicles leaving on a daily basis.
Calling for a site visit before any decision is made, she said the proposal would have “a significant impact on working families and children,” with emergency vehicles potentially leaving at high speed from the busy road.
That was disputed by Mr Davies, who said the application was “broadly a like-for-like relocation,” adding the “potential traffic chaos2 was not happening at the current location.
Local member Cllr Brian Hall asked: “Do we want a police station in Pembroke Dock or do we want it to be like Milford Haven without one?”
Moving approval, he said: “The Water Street station hasn’t had maintenance in many years; the last thing I want to see is to lose the station, we need a police presence there.
“The majority of the town all agree we don’t want to lose the police station. It’s essential we have it in the town; if we do not have the police station the town is going to be worse off.”
Cllr Mark Carter proposed a site visit be undertaken before any decision, saying: “It’s clearly an emotive issue for local residents.”
Cllr Tony Wilcox, a fellow councillor in the town to Cllr Hall, said he agreed with him “100 per cent” of the need to retain a station, but supported a site visit.
Members agreed to a site visit, with just one vote of dissention; the application return to a future committee meeting.
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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