News

Leisure park extension deferred

Published

11 years ago

March 17, 2015

AN APPLICATION to expand the New Minerton Leisure Park was deferred by councillors on Tuesday (Feb 24).

The application, to demolish an existing building and relocate 12 static caravans and add a further 20, was recommended for refusal by officers.

However, councillors indicated that they would be supportive of this development and a decision was made to defer to allow the Director of Development to look at the conditions if it was approved.

Agent Gerald Blaine said: “There are conflicts within the LDP policy as this falls down on the fact that it is outside a settlement boundary. We have checked all the parks for Pembrokeshire and we find that there isn’t any park that meets the criteria. There are no objections to this and we have support from Heatherton and Manor Park. The overall investment is that this park is going to make is £750,000.”

Cllr Brian Hall moved the recommendation for refusal and added: “Despite the countryside location of the site, it is considered that the proposal would not result in an unacceptable visual intrusion. The proposed development is contrary to the requirements of the development plan in that it represents an extension from a static caravan site outside of a settlement boundary.”

Cllr Jacob Williams said: “I am surprised at the recommendation. It is a well written report. It’s very positive about the application and it states that the relocation of the units would result in an environmental improvement. The amendments are sufficient to result in an improvement to the site and the landscape and therefore the development would represent a demonstrable environmental improvement. This is already a well-established business. They are looking to improve, increase the size of their site and this would bring more income to St Florence and the wider area. This is a really nice site. I don’t think this committee should be against that and we should we welcoming investment in any business which is already established and looking to do better. I support the application and I think there is more than enough that can outweigh the objections.”

Cllr Tony Wilcox added: “This is always going to have a positive effect. If you have 20 caravans there you will attract different kinds of people throughout the year. It would be a reprobate step not to approve this based purely on the economy of Pembrokeshire.”

Cllr Gwilym Price said: “I believe this will be beneficial to south Pembrokeshire and the Tenby area and I will be supporting the application on this.”

Cllr Rod Bowen also indicated he was minded to accept this saying: “We should be encouraging businesses to grow and I don’t think we are very far away from policy on this one.”

Cllr Peter Stock said: “This has got advantages for Pembrokeshire and tourism. This is an extension to help existing tourism. We’ve got to be top draw all the time to offer the facilities to be able to draw people in. This development is a progressive one and what we’ve got here will without a doubt be an advantage to us.”

Cllr Jacob Williams moved approval on the basis that the objection was outweighed by the economic benefits of the scheme and added that it was a natural expansion.

Cllr Tony Wilcox seconded Cllr Williams but the Director of Development indicated that because the committee was minded to approve the application, it should be deferred to look at some of the implications for the implementation.

That was moved by Cllr Rob Lewis and was supported unanimously by councillors.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

14 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

14 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

14 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)