News

Fine time for library users

Published

10 years ago

January 11, 2016

messychurch PEMBROKE’S Town Hall Messy Church has received a ringing endorsement from Mayor Councillor Pauline Waters. Speaking at the end of Decembers incredibly successful ‘Flash Nativity Event’, which saw more than ninety children and adults celebrate the Christmas story Cllr Waters said: “I’ve come along to Messy Church for the second time and I have thoroughly enjoyed it once again.

“ I brought my niece and goddaughter and there would have been a third but he was ill. We have an amazing time playing games, colouring, sticking tinsel and singing carols. And the food was absolutely fantastic. The children were all given presents but the main thing I would want to stress is that we were trying to show what Christmas is all about, and it starts off with baby Jesus in the manger . ” Town Hall Messy Church opened in the Town Hall Pembroke in October and is going from ‘ strength to strength ‘, as said by Baptist Pastor Rob James , who acts as a Church and Media Consultant for the Evangelical Alliance .

He said: “It meets every first Wednesday of the month and will recommence on January 6. It is designed for any children in general but I do know that those who organise it are keen to reach out to children and parents who have no church affiliation at all. Messy Church is intended to be a time of fun, laughter and food as the team seek to bring the Christian message into the heart of the community . “And I must admit it is simply fantastic to see them running up the Main Street because they want to get there as quickly as possible. We even had a family this time that had gone shopping and had been directed to us by a supportive shopkeeper. I hope they came away thinking they had found a bargain because everything with us is free, even the great food.

“ I am so thankful to those who have been supportive of this great initiative including the Mayor and Rose the caretaker who has gone out of her way to help Messy Church advance as much as it has already. I can’t wait to see what 2016 will bring let alone what fun we are going to have.” For more information on Messy Church visit www.messychurch.org. uk or telephone Katie Collins on 07789 758613.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

14 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

19 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.