Community
Plans for Simpson Cross gypsy traveller pitches submitted
A CALL for two gypsy traveller pitches at a small agricultural holding to allow a family to move from an existing site “suffering from cold, damp conditions” have been submitted to Pembrokeshire planners
Anthony Thomas and family, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, seek permission for two traveller family pitches with two static caravans, a day/utility room, two touring caravans, along with improvements to the existing access and ecological enhancements at Made of More Yard, Simpson Hill, Simpson Cross.
The use of the site on land owned by the applicant started in June 2025.

A supporting statement says there is a “genuine need for an appropriate alternative site to accommodate his immediate family (parents in one pitch and wife, himself and two children in the other) in a safe and tranquil environment,” adding: “The applicant’s lifestyle falls within the definition of gypsies,” with members of the community having a predilection “for small self-development family-oriented pitches, in areas close to settlements with good accessibility to services such as schools and community facilities, rather than larger municipal run facilities for a variety of historical reasons”.
It adds: “There are currently no public or private sites available within the county and are unlikely to be brought forward in the foreseeable future to meet the expanding needs of the applicant or the Gypsy and Traveller community.”
It goes on to say there are potential health concerns with the applicants’ current site: “The existing family pitches are in poor condition suffering from cold, damp conditions, particularly during the winter months and both the applicant and his wife are fed up scrubbing the walls with bleach once a week in an attempt to control the mould.”
It concludes: “It is not considered this small-scale development for one family pitch for two static units in this location will cause any significant harm considering the more permissive approach provided [by planning advice and guidance] is a material consideration that weighs in favour of the development.
“It is considered the personal circumstances of the applicant and family has identified a genuine need for the accommodation, the lack of alternative sites within the county as a whole, the site’s sustainable location and low level of traffic generation are material considerations if favour of the proposal that, on balance, outweigh all other matters.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Business
Duke of Edinburgh Inn in Newgale on the market for £325,000
A LARGE coastal pub overlooking Newgale Beach has been put up for sale with an asking price of £325,000.
The Duke of Edinburgh Inn, in the heart of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, has been listed by estate agent Sidney Phillips. Set on a site of around an acre, the property enjoys wide sea views and sits just above one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known beaches.
Inside, the venue includes a substantial bar and seating areas with capacity for more than 150 customers. Outside, there is also a sizeable car park said to be able to accommodate over 100 vehicles.
The surrounding landscape is a major selling point, with the Coast National Park forming much of the backdrop — a stretch of protected coastline known for sandy bays, cliffs, estuaries and open hills.



Newgale itself is a popular destination for visitors and water sports enthusiasts, including surfers, windsurfers and canoeists. The beach runs for roughly two miles and is backed by a large pebble bank, created after a significant storm in 1859. The village also has caravan parks, a campsite and local shops.
The pub building is mainly stone and brick with a pitched, tiled roof. The listing notes that planning permission is already in place for changes and refurbishment, giving a buyer scope to update the premises or reshape it more extensively.
Newgale Beach, which the inn overlooks, remains a draw year-round and is particularly busy during the summer months. The area caters for surfing and kitesurfing, with hire and tuition available locally, alongside a café. Public facilities include toilets, and lifeguards typically patrol from June through to the end of September.
Despite the property having suffered notable fire damage, it is being marketed as an opportunity for a buyer looking for a renovation project in a prime coastal location, with views and redevelopment potential at its centre.
Community
History society welcomes town hall talk – looks ahead to Whitland Abbey presentation
Nathen Amin draws a crowd of 120 with Owain Glyndŵr lecture, while John Brandrick is set to speak in Pembroke on Saturday, 7 February
PEMBROKE & MONKTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY began the New Year in fine style with a talk by Nathen Amin, which proved hugely popular, with 120 people filling Pembroke Town Hall. Nathen is nationally recognised for his work on the history of Henry Tudor, but this time he delivered an impressive and engaging talk on the great Welsh patriot, Owain Glyndŵr. So warmly received in Pembroke, he has already promised to return as part of next year’s programme – something to look forward to.
The Society’s next talk will take place on Saturday, 7 February at Pembroke Town Hall, continuing the Welsh theme. We are pleased to welcome John Brandrick, who will speak on: ‘The foundation, development and decline of Whitland Abbey’.

Whitland Abbey was an important Cistercian abbey founded in 1151. Under the patronage of powerful Welsh princes, it developed a strong Welsh cultural identity and grew in influence to become the motherhouse of the Cistercian order of monks in Wales. Several daughter houses were established, including Strata Florida, Strata Marcella, and Cwmhir. The abbey flourished during medieval Wales, before gradually declining and eventually being dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539.
John Brandrick is a retired engineering draughtsman whose main interests now include illustrating and researching Whitland Abbey, as well as drawing the machinery found in wind and water mills throughout Wales and beyond, helping to preserve an important record for the future. His talk is a detailed, illustrated presentation covering who the Whitland Abbey monks were and where they came from; how the abbey was built; how it interacted with the nobility; and how it weathered the upheavals of the period from 1150 through to the dissolution. John will also explore the abbey’s later story – its gradual disappearance from view, its rediscovery in the 1800s, and the excavations carried out since, as well as its future. He is a member of the Friends of Whitland Abbey, a voluntary group that helps care for the site, which is open to the public at all times.
As usual, Pembroke Town Hall opens at 10:00am for the Coffee Morning, followed by the talk at 11:00am. Also open on the day will be Pembroke Museum and the Council Chamber, situated on the first floor of the Town Hall. A lift is available for disabled access. All are welcome to attend, and entry is free.
For more information, visit www.pembrokeandmonktonhistory.org.uk, and follow the Society on Facebook. Queries can be sent to [email protected].
Community
Anti-Welsh graffiti targets Tenby’s bilingual signs
Welsh-language text spray-painted at North Beach and other tourist hotspots as council arranges clean-up
TENBY’S Welsh-language signage has been targeted by vandals in a spate of graffiti attacks across the town.
Black spray paint has been daubed on a number of bilingual information boards at some of the resort’s busiest visitor areas, including around North Beach. In each case, the markings appear to focus on the Welsh-language text, while the English information has been left untouched.
Signs affected include those giving practical guidance to visitors – such as parking instructions, motorhome information and notices about dog restrictions on local beaches.
A newly formed campaign group, Mudiad Eryr Wen, said it felt “compelled to respond” after images of the vandalised signs circulated online. The group – which describes itself as youth-led and focused on defending Wales and campaigning for independence – claimed the graffiti amounts to an attack on the Welsh language itself.
In a statement, a spokesperson said the incidents differ from previous cases where Welsh place names were targeted, arguing that this time the Welsh wording on everyday public signage appears to have been deliberately singled out. The group alleged the vandalism was driven by anti-Welsh sentiment and criticised figures and parties it believes have helped to fuel hostility.
Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed it is aware of the damage and said arrangements are being made for signs to be cleaned or replaced where required.
A council spokesperson said: “Pembrokeshire County Council is aware of the vandalism of a number of signs around Tenby. The Council is currently arranging for the signs to be cleaned or replaced where necessary. Deliberate vandalism of this kind diverts time and resources away from important public services.”
Tenby’s Mayor, Cllr Dai Morgan, also condemned the graffiti, describing it as unacceptable and costly.
He said: “Tenby Town Council strongly condemns graffiti and vandalism anywhere in our town. Such behaviour is unacceptable. It damages property, spoils public spaces, and costs the community time and money to put right.
“It shows a lack of respect for Tenby and for the people who live, work, and visit here. The vandalism will be reported, and we encourage anyone with information to do the same.”
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