THE CELTIC FREEPORT has secured £638,000 in UK Government funding to support key infrastructure projects in Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot, helping to unlock future investment and accelerate development linked to floating offshore wind and clean energy industries.

The funding forms part of a wider £3.3 million package announced for sixteen Industrial Strategy Zone projects across the UK. The three successful Celtic Freeport schemes will focus on removing development barriers and preparing sites for future commercial activity.

Successful projects

Criterion Quay, Pembroke Dock — £213,000

Funding will support technical assessments required to enable floating offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) infrastructure at the site.

Talbot Wharf, Port Talbot — £265,000

Land remediation works will improve the viability of development plots, making them more attractive to companies within the floating offshore wind supply chain.

Port Talbot Marine Infrastructure — £160,000

Feasibility and design work will be carried out to refurbish two jetties, supporting future import and export activity and strengthening marine capability at the port.

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:“From offshore wind manufacturing on the Humber to new clean energy facilities in Pembrokeshire, this backing for our freeports will generate real economic growth across the country. By tackling the barriers developers face early on, we’re helping to unlock significant private investment and create thousands of good jobs in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.”

Luciana Ciubotariu, Chief Executive of Celtic Freeport, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot. Securing UK Government funding for these three projects accelerates the Celtic Freeport’s vision, supporting investment in port infrastructure that will enable floating offshore wind and the wider green energy transition.”

Trading Standards says trader failed to engage after advice — criminal investigation not ruled out

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has confirmed it is continuing to assess complaints relating to Steven Grant and his business Computer Solutions Wales, and has not ruled out the possibility of a criminal investigation.

The statement comes after the Pembrokeshire Herald published a series of reports in recent weeks detailing allegations from customers and former workers who say they were left out of pocket following dealings with the business.

The council confirmed that complaints were first received by its Trading Standards Service in October 2024.

At that time, officers assessed the matters as predominantly civil disputes between consumers and a trader, meaning they did not initially meet the threshold for criminal enforcement action.

However, Trading Standards officers did engage directly with Mr Grant.

A council spokesperson said: “Trading Standards colleagues met with Mr Grant to discuss the concerns raised and offered extensive business advice verbally and in writing, outlining his statutory duties as a trader and steps that he could take to resolving the various grievances.”

Advice was also provided to complainants about how devices might be recovered and the options available through civil legal processes.

Engagement ‘unmet’

The council has now confirmed that attempts to continue dialogue with Mr Grant have not been successful.

The spokesperson said: “Since this early engagement Trading Standards colleagues have been unable to obtain updates from Mr Grant, and attempts to engage in further dialogue have gone unmet.”

The authority added that it remains aware of ongoing complaints and unresolved issues.

“The Trading Standards Service is aware that certain matters remain unresolved and of wider complaints and will continue to appraise the nature of these issues and whether a criminal investigation might be warranted.”

Officers also confirmed they were aware of changes to trading addresses and company status connected to the business.

Legal powers complex

The council explained that newer consumer protection legislation — including the Digital Markets, Consumers and Competition Act 2024 — provides civil enforcement mechanisms designed to encourage compliance by traders, but these processes can be lengthy and depend on engagement from the business concerned.

Growing number of complaints

The Herald has been contacted by a significant number of individuals who say they paid money for repairs, devices or services that were delayed, not delivered, or subject to refund disputes.

Others claim equipment was not returned, while former workers have also alleged unpaid wages.

Mr Grant has previously said problems stemmed from a dispute with a landlord which prevented access to customer devices, and has said he was seeking legal advice regarding how property could be returned.

He has since declined to provide further comment.

How to complain

The council said any new complaints relating to Steven Grant or Computer Solutions Wales should be reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which acts as the national gateway for Trading Standards referrals.

Consumers can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

A CALL to allow the selling of alcohol as late as 10pm at a rural beauty spot former village tearoom which objectors fear will “create an absolute nightmare” exacerbating an already growing issue with antisocial behaviour from holidaymakers, has been given the go-ahead.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s February licensing sub-committee, members considered an application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton.

A report for members said it was proposed the premises, formerly a tearoom called ‘Ye Olde Worlde Café’ would open 8am-10pm, selling alcohol from 9am on and off site, seven days a week in the village.

Since the proposal for the site, close to the village pub The St Govan’s Inn, was publicised, 13 objections were received, including Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council.

In its submissions, the community council said it “will cause a significant public nuisance in the residential area”.

It said the ordinarily tranquil Bosherston, with its neighbouring beauty spot attractions of the lily ponds and St Govans currently has four well-established camp sites “which already frequently cause late night disruption, littering and anti-social behaviour caused predominantly by intoxicated individuals”.

It went on to say: “Instances of aggressive behaviour and trespass are already prevalent within the village by visitors under the influence of alcohol.”

Concerns raised by members of the public included fears of “an increased problem with drunkenness, drink driving and antisocial behaviour,” and it would “make life for the residents in the immediate area an absolute nightmare”.

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Sarah Jane Partridge said they shared “the same fundamental aims as the residents,” with the scheme “not about creating a drinking venue but a food-based family bistro”.

She stressed that campers were already able to buy alcohol from the pub, or bring their own to the campsites, adding the 84-cover bistro would introduce safeguarding measures around the sale of any alcohol; off-site sales consisting of ‘gift-set’-style alcohol craft packages rather than “cans of lager”.

Objector Rik Guly said there had been many public order incidents over the years in the 36-home village relating to visitors from the campsites, as well as empty beer bottles, tampons and tins littering the area, one farmer also having his ‘honesty box’ stolen on several occasions; the application “effectively throwing a catalyst for more alcohol consumption and more public disorder”.

He also raised concerns it could restrict access along the narrow road to the nearby coastguard building for emergency services.

Another objector Clare Strudwick said “almost half the village” was objecting to the scheme which would cause “unacceptable public nuisance”.

Representing the community council, local county councillor Steve Alderman, who once farmed in Bosherston himself, said post-Covid visitor interest in the area had been raised “immeasurably,” with huge numbers attracted to the area.

He said that, while “antisocial behaviour, both physical and verbal” and “a complete lack of respect for what is a marvellous-looking village” was “society’s fault,” the resident’s had a right to enjoy their quality of life.

After the committee deliberated, chair Cllr Tony Wilcox said they had considered the range of objections but considered they were “not of sufficient seriousness to consider rejecting the application”.

The licensing application was approved, objectors hearing that decision could be appealed within 28 days.