ASB AMONG KEY PRIORITIES

A HAVERFORDWEST councillor has raised concerns about a sudden increase in anti-social behaviour in the town centre during a meeting with local police.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, county councillor for the Castle Ward, met with Sgt Andrew Williams from the local Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team on Thursday (Apr 23).

Cllr Tudor said the meeting had been “very beneficial and informative” and gave him the opportunity to pass on concerns from residents and businesses about policing issues in Haverfordwest.

Sgt Williams’ role includes overseeing neighbourhood policing priorities, including anti-social behaviour, road safety, business engagement, shoplifting prevention, and tackling the illegal use of e-scooters and electric bikes.

Cllr Tudor said he had raised both his own concerns and those of constituents about issues affecting the town, including what he described as a sudden escalation of anti-social behaviour in the centre of Haverfordwest.

The current policing priorities for the Haverfordwest section, which also includes the Fishguard and St Davids areas, are tackling anti-social behaviour in the community, increasing high-visibility patrols and business interaction to reduce shoplifting, and dealing with the illegal use of e-scooters and electric bikes.

Cllr Tudor thanked Dyfed-Powys Police, the Haverfordwest, Fishguard and St Davids policing teams, and Pembrokeshire County Council following the meeting.

A NEW mayor for Milford Haven is set to be elected next week as councillors gather for a full council meeting on Monday (Apr 27).

The meeting will take place at the Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets Unit at Havens Head Business Park from 6:00pm.

Councillors are expected to elect both the town mayor and deputy mayor for the 2026–2027 civic year.

Three councillors have put themselves forward for the position of deputy mayor — Councillor K. Gray, Councillor N. Harteveld, and Councillor C. Stevens.

The meeting will also include public questions, updates from the current mayor, reports on community activities, and feedback from councillors who sit on outside bodies.

Planning matters will be noted for information, while several local organisations are set to be considered for financial support.

These include Milford Haven Men’s Shed, Milford Haven Business Circle, Milford Haven Pickleball Club, and The Rotary Club of Milford Haven.

Members of the public can attend, with remote access available on request under Welsh local government rules.

Councillors heard warnings about binge drinking, noise and antisocial behaviour came from people who do not live in Saundersfoot

CONCERNS about binge drinking, public urination and antisocial behaviour were raised as part of an application to create a beer garden at a Saundersfoot bar – but councillors heard the objections came from people who do not actually live in the village.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s licensing sub-committee met on Thursday (Apr 23) to consider an application by Rebecca Evans to vary the premises licence for The Bunker, Cambrian Terrace, Saundersfoot, by adding a beer garden to the rear of the property.

A report before members said the proposed outdoor area would have space for 50 people and operate between 2:00pm and 9:00pm. It would be monitored by CCTV and staff.

Objectors claimed the beer garden could create unacceptable noise and disturbance for neighbouring residential and holiday properties. One objection said: “The proposed external drinking area would create unacceptable noise and disturbance to the immediately adjoining residential and consented properties. With happy hours all-day-every-day and prices from £3.80 this is encouraging binge drinking.”

Other concerns included the impact on Saundersfoot’s coastal image, fears that customers would loiter behind neighbouring premises in a drunken state, and worries that people might relieve themselves outside if they did not have access to toilets.

One objector also raised concerns about possible underage drinking in the beer garden, arguing that staff would find it difficult to supervise.

Speaking at the meeting, Rebecca Evans appeared alongside her husband Steve. The couple, who live above the premises with their family, said the application was partly driven by a steep rise in the pub’s rateable value, from £7,200 to £20,000.

Mrs Evans told councillors there was no evidence that reinstating the beer garden would lead to the problems being suggested.

She said: “It’s worth noting some of the objectors have the benefit of what we’re seeking.”

She added that around 17 licensed premises in the area already had similar facilities.

“We live above the premises, as such we probably have a greater concern about crime and disorder than anyone else out there,” she said.

“It’s a time-limited, small-scale drinking and eating area with no material risks to public safety. No patrons are able to access the garden without entering the bar/café first.”

Mrs Evans also told the committee that the objections had come from “one source and its tenants”, none of whom lived in Saundersfoot.

“For us it’s about getting the daytime trade,” she said. “People want to sit out in the sunshine.”

Responding to concerns over drinks promotions, she said the pub’s happy hour offer was in line with similar promotions elsewhere in the village and ran only between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.

“We do not encourage binge drinking,” she said. “It is a restricted time just to encourage people in, in the sunshine, to give us some trade.”

Describing the application as stressful, Mrs Evans said no permanent residents had objected.

“All objections have come from one source and its tenants,” she said. “We just want to extend for our customers to have an area to sit in the sunshine.”

Cover image:

Rebecca Evans speaking at the Pembrokeshire County Council licensing sub-committee. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council webcast.)