News

Major housing, play and regeneration projects on the agenda for council cabinet

Published

11 months ago

April 23, 2025

A WIDE-RANGING agenda will be debated by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet on Monday (Apr 28), with major decisions expected on housing development, children’s play provision, education plans, and town regeneration.

Among the most significant items is the proposed construction of 24 new flats at ‘Haven View’, Milford Haven. The scheme, located on Charles Street, includes communal facilities and is aimed at boosting local affordable housing provision.

Also under the spotlight is the Play Sufficiency Assessment, which lays out extensive findings from a county-wide consultation. The assessment highlights strong demand for improved and accessible play areas, especially in deprived wards like Milford East and Pembroke Monkton. The Cabinet is expected to approve a new action plan which includes investing in inclusive play facilities, supporting young carers, and better maintenance of parks and playgrounds.

In education, councillors will discuss a proposal to federate St Florence and Penrhyn Church in Wales schools, aiming to improve management efficiency and maintain sustainability in rural education. The Cabinet will also review a new Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and an update to the National Teachers’ Pay Policy for 2024-2025.

A report on Haverfordwest regeneration is also on the table, with schemes designed to breathe new life into the town centre. Linked to this is a discussion on the freehold transfer of the public toilets on Bryn Road to St Davids City Council, allowing localised management of key community assets.

Environmental policy is set to be a major theme, with councillors to consider the Environmental Services Strategy for 2025-2030, covering waste, biodiversity, and sustainability. Meanwhile, the outcome of the 2025-26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund open call will be presented, showing where grants are to be allocated for local growth projects.

The Cabinet will consider allocating financial support to PACTO, a key organisation that helps deliver community transport services across the county. These services are crucial for rural and isolated communities, helping people without access to private cars get to medical appointments, shops, and social activities.

The report highlights the importance of ongoing funding to support PACTO’s operations, and the role it plays in reducing social isolation, particularly among the elderly and disabled. The proposal suggests continued financial backing, although the exact figures and terms will be discussed during the session.

The Cabinet will also examine a new Transformation and Innovation Board, intended to drive service improvement across departments, and a report on equality in employment within the council for 2023-2024.

The meeting is being held as a hybrid session and will be streamed live via the council’s webcast portal.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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.