News
New Chapter For Narberth Library
THE FRIENDS OF NARBERTH LIBRARY and Narberth Town Council have worked together to safeguard the future of their local library.
After working closely with Pembrokeshire Council’s Cultural Services department, the library facility in Narberth became a Community Managed library on Saturday (Jul 23).
Faced with the prospect of losing Narberth’s historic, vibrant and much loved library to cut-backs, the Friends of Narberth Library was formed.
Now the group – which has enlisted the help of about 20 volunteers – will undertake a wide range of duties in order to run the library in partnership with the County Council and Narberth Town Council.
The new, three-way partnership means that the facility can continue to provide a popular and well used library service to the people of Narberth.
The Town Council has agreed to take on the lease of the building and its running costs, while the Friends group will be helping to run the library with community volunteers.
The County Council will continue to supply stock, IT and some paid staffing.
“I’m delighted to be a part of the project that secures the future of Narberth’s library” said Pembrokeshire County Councillor Elwyn Morse, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure.
“Libraries are so important to local communities and partnerships such as this, where scarce resources are pooled towards a common aim, are vital to help us to retain valued services in times of austerity.”
Councillor Sue Rees, speaking on behalf of Narberth Town Council, said: “Looking forward, for a long term solution, we decided that it would be better to invest in the building, rather than pay the County Council the extra staffing costs to keep the library open.
“Having saved the swimming pool by taking it over for the community, we knew that the idea would work and could result in a win-win situation for everyone concerned. It just meant getting everyone to work together, to agree who could provide what.
“We now have a library that no one can close unless the people of the town no longer want it. It will require ongoing support from the community and all concerned. We even have the ability to extend the service if there is a need.
“I am sure that everyone will support this valuable community library long into the future.”
Marc Tierney, Chair of Friends of Narberth Library said: “I’m really proud that we have a strong team of volunteers, many of whom have been part of the fight to save the library. We know that the community values the library and the service it provides.
“So for us, the idea that Narberth library could close simply wasn’t an option. I’m pleased that the Town Council has been so supportive in helping us to keep the doors open.
“After a year of meetings, discussion and training, we have worked with the County Council to develop a community managed service with our fully trained volunteers ready to help on a Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning. So do pop in and say hello, and support Narberth library.”
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
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rylee fischer
October 9, 2025 at 6:00 am
Such a valuable resource. Stream bbc farsi — Persian‑language breaking news. live bulletins and interviews. talk shows, analysis programs, live updates. live bulletins and interviews.