Community

‘Anti-social behaviour’ fears over new Pembroke housing plan

Published

1 year ago

June 6, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to change holiday lets to flats in Pembroke’s main street has been given the go-ahead despite concerns of antisocial behaviour connected with a nearby nightclub is creating scenes “like the OK Corral”.

In an application recommended for approval at the June meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee, Pembroke Assets Ltd sought permission to change nine holiday lets at 6-10 Main Street to flats.

The scheme was supported by Pembroke Town Council.

It was brought to committee as it was recommended for approval despite being a departure from the development plan, the departure relating to a previous scheme for the holiday lets being granted.

The site was once Co-Op’s old shop before it moved to the town’s Goose’s Lane in 2017, being empty until a number of developments took place including mixed business use and the previously-granted self-catering holiday lets.

A report for members said there were high levels of noise both day and night at the location in Pembroke’s main street, “due to the presence of public houses and nightclubs”.

Referring to the departure from planning guidelines, as in the previous scheme, it said: “The primary justification of that proposal was economic regeneration of the town centre. As was considered then, the building was and is again vacant. Continued vacancy would lead to deterioration, to the detriment of the town centre and the surrounding Conservation Area.”

Cllr Jonathan Grimes, one of two members of a joint ward covering the area, raised concerns about the scheme in an email to the committee, saying that, while he supported increasing affordable housing stock, he had concerns about the location, saying it was “highly unsuitable for any form of housing for residents who would want or indeed expect a peaceful standard of living”.

“My main concern is the location of the property next door to a nightclub. The nightclub in question – ‘OUT’ has already attracted considerable negative publicity over the past few years due to the high number of incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“This has included loud noise, drunken behaviour, the use of drugs as well as street violence. I am led to believe that one of the main reasons that the former owners of the holiday rentals decided to sell up was due to the large number of complaints from guests over the late-night activities originating from the aforementioned nightclub.

“I have also received a number of complaints from local residents living in the vicinity about anti-social behaviour originating from the nightclub and having a detrimental effect on the neighbourhood.”

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Rhys Jordan said: “These properties were considered for purchase by this council, withdrawn at the last moment, I assume around some of the planning conditions in place. I get the feeling this change of use is solely to allow the sale potentially to this council; if that’s a reason that’s absolutely fine but I don’t buy it’s going to bring a much-needed supply of flats in Pembroke.”

He asked if the council had an interest in the scheme, but was told the initial interest several years before had not been progressed.

He went on to say: “The social housing element of this council are not interested in these properties, that leaves very few options going forward. Given the luxury nature of these flats, I’d imagine they have a high rent; are we opening up a can of worms for the future? It’s like the OK Corral down there on a Friday or a Saturday night, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to pay the rent there.”

He warned any potential change to social housing would lead to “potentially vulnerable people” housed “in what is basically a sketchy area”.

“I’m not going to support it,” said Cllr Jordan, adding: “I think we’re opening a can of worms that could cause significant problems for the town in the future.”

After approval was moved by Cllr Brian Hall, new committee chair Cllr Mark Carter stressed: “We have to determine the application in front of us; if people want to live next to a nightclub that is their choice.”

The application was passed by 11 votes to one, with one abstention.

Community

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

20 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.

Community

Sir Karl Jenkins named Eisteddfod President for 2026

Published

22 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIR KARL JENKINS has been named President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026.

The internationally acclaimed Welsh composer, one of the world’s most performed living composers, will take on the role as the festival prepares to welcome performers, competitors and visitors from across the globe.

Sir Karl is best known for works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem.

His appointment comes in a landmark year after The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026.

Opening night return

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday, July 7.

The concert had been due to take place in 2025 but was postponed, causing disappointment for volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and overseas.

The Eisteddfod has now brought the event back with support from the Arts Council of Wales.

Sir Karl said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President.

“Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance.

“It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Global chorus

The evening will feature a full performance of One World, conducted by Sir Karl and performed by an international massed chorus made up of WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra.

The work blends Jenkins’ distinctive musical style with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship.

The concert will also include a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, which places young people at the heart of its message of peace and global citizenship.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

The piece was written for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, continuing Llangollen’s tradition of supporting new talent and giving Welsh composers an international platform.

‘Great cultural ambassador’

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

“Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent.

“The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.”

Mr Gambles added: “The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved.

“We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back.

“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.”

Festival programme

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns for its 79th year on Tuesday, July 7.

This year’s programme includes performances from Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the Choir of the World competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world will also take part in the daytime programme, with the Parade of Nations returning on Friday, July 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

Further information is available at llangollen.net.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

24 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)