Community

Narberth Castle site to close for essential conservation repair work

Published

7 months ago

May 17, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says it is pleased to confirm that essential conservation and repair works at Narberth Castle will start on Monday, May 19.

The works are part of a carefully planned conservation programme designed to stabilise the castle’s historic stone walls using specialist mortar bedding techniques, undertaken in accordance with CADW guidance.

Given the sensitive and technical nature of the works, and the need to use tracked access equipment across uneven grassed areas, a full closure of the site to the public will be required for a period of 12 weeks.

This includes the footpath through the site.

This closure will enable contractors to carry out vital repair and stabilisation work safely and effectively.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of August 2025, at which point the entire site will be fully reopened to the public.

Currently, several areas of Narberth Castle remain closed due to structural safety concerns.

While it is fully appreciated that the summer months are important for tourists and visitors, prolonged dry weather during this period is essential to carry out the specialist conservation works effectively and safely.

These essential works are key to ensuring the long-term preservation of this important heritage site.

Pembrokeshire County Council says it remains committed to keeping the community informed throughout the project and will provide regular updates as the work progresses.
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We apologise for the short notice before this work begins but it is important that we acted as quickly as possible to deliver this project whilst the weather allows it.

“It will mean some inconvenience now, but with the outcome that this important heritage asset remains in good condition for the foreseeable future.

“We thank people in Narberth for their patience on this matter and I am sure they would want to see a safe and accessible cultural asset in their community for the long term.”

Cllr Marc Tierney, the local Councillor for the Narberth Urban ward, added: “Narberth Castle is really important to the people of the town and historically as a place linked to the Mabinogion.

“The delay to repair works has been frustrating, and a continued closure is disappointing. However, I realise that good weather is needed to ensure the repairs hold, which means the Castle will reopen to all in a few months.

“Many local residents have asked how the Castle grounds could be further improved, and this is part of an ongoing conversation that I am having with the Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and other interested parties.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.