News
Folly Farm holiday village approved

FOLLY FARM will soon provide holiday accommodation after plans were approved to put over 100 touring caravans, yurts, and tents next to the current site.
The Planning and Rights of Way Committee met on Tuesday (Dec 13) to discuss the plans.
There will be three themed areas to the accommodation, all relating to what can be found at Folly Farm, including a safari zone which will be adjacent to the safari enclosure with a number of safari style ridge tents.
There will also be a fairground zone which will house static caravans and be designed to look like historic wagons.
The final zone will be a farm zone featuring a mixture of bell tents, teepees and yurts.
Local member Cllr David Pugh said he was very pleased to support the plans for Folly Farm which has become one of Wales’ premier tourist attractions.
He went on to say: “It has won numerous awards for the quality of its tourism provision including best day out in Wales award. Folly Farm has a proven track record of continuing investment, and more importantly, delivering a quality product. The attraction now opens throughout the year and employs 60 full time staff and 140 part time seasonal staff. It is truly a local success story.
“The application was widely discussed at the Begelly and Kilgetty Community Council council meeting and they gave a unanimous approval to the plans.
“The planning conditions address all the concerns that have been raised to myself. I have no hesitation in supporting this application which will enhance the tourism offer at Folly Farm and benefit the local community and the wider Pembrokeshire tourism and economy.”
The developers will also provide £35,000 as part of a section 106 agreement, which will go to providing a footpath to the town of Kilgetty which Cllr Pugh described as a ‘much needed improvement’.
The agent for the application added that Folly Farm is looking to bring forward a high quality development that is not on offer anywhere else in the UK.
He also added that the applicant had been hoping to put up to 200 camping units on the site but that this had been brought down on discussions with officers.
Cllr Brian Hall said: “Every year there is a new proposal to add to the benefit of Folly Farm. This is a massive investment that will benefit the people of Pembrokeshire. I have no qualms whatsoever in supporting the application and I’m absolutely delighted this is coming to Pembrokeshire.”
Cllr David Bryan said Pembrokeshire residents should be very proud of having Folly Farm on their doorstep.
Cllr Jacob Williams also described it as a ‘real success story’ but added that it could have an impact on other tourist related businesses in the area.
Cllr Peter Stock added: “The advantages are very clear, Pembrokeshire is a very important tourist destination and I would like to think this will attract new customers.”
Because the plans are advertised as a departure from policy, they must now gain approval at the next meeting of Full Council in January.
Chris Ebsworth, director of Folly Farm said: “We’re really pleased hear the planning for Folly Holiday Village has been unanimously approved and we very much welcome the decision of full council early next year.
“It’s an exciting time for Folly Farm following a period of rapid growth with new enclosures and redevelopment of current infrastructure. The Holiday Village would be an important future step in our development, safeguarding jobs and bringing a unique product to Pembrokeshire’s fantastic tourism offering.”
Community
Police assist as loose horses cause concern near Pembroke Leisure Centre

A GROUP of loose horses caused alarm near Pembroke Leisure Centre on Sunday (March 30), prompting a police response and reigniting concerns over the ongoing issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene to ensure public safety and attempt to secure the animals, which had been spotted wandering in the area.
This latest incident comes amid growing frustrations over repeated occurrences of horses roaming freely on roads and public land, or on private land without the landowner’s permission.
The problem of fly-grazing—where horses are left to graze on land without consent—has become a serious issue across the county, with multiple cases reported in recent months including at St Daniels Hill in Pembroke. In that case, horses were eventually removed following a long struggle by landowner Paul Hay, who said the situation had caused significant distress and called for new legislation to protect the public.
Last month, one local resident reported her father suffered head injuries and wrote off his car after hitting a loose horse on the A477 in the dark. Despite the severity of the incident, no further police action was taken, fuelling anger among residents.

County Councillor Jonathan Grimes has been liaising with local authorities and police in a bid to address the issue, while members of the public have also come forward to share experiences of property damage and road closures.
The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for a statement about the latest incident.
Anyone with concerns about loose horses which may cause a danger to traffic or pedestrians can call the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
Community
Funeral arrangements confirmed for popular local entertainer, Matt Baker

THE FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for Matt Baker, affectionately known as ‘Mr Good Times’ of Haverfordwest.
Matt passed away on March 15 aged 49. He was the much-loved son of Phyllis and stepson to Aad, and son to the late Paul. He was a devoted brother to Reuben, his wife Cath, and Simeon, and a beloved uncle to Aston, Dylan and Axel.
Matt was well known in the local community for his cheerful nature, positive outlook and ability to bring people together. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
His funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 11:00am at Pembrokeshire College Theatre. This will be followed by interment at Freystrop Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Matt, in aid of mental health causes, can be made via a donation box at the wake following the interment.
All enquiries should be directed to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors on (01437) 763821.
Charity
Emergency services unite for charity at Pembroke Dock Fire Station

A CHARITY car wash at Pembroke Dock Fire Station drew crowds on Saturday (Mar 29), raising money in support of The Firefighters Charity.
The event, organised by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, ran from 10:00am to 4:00pm and saw a steady stream of local residents turning out to support the cause. Visitors were able to get their vehicles washed by firefighters, with all proceeds going towards helping fire service personnel and their families.
Among those showing support were local police officers, with PCSOs 8020 and 8112 from Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police making an appearance. The officers not only lent their encouragement to their emergency service colleagues but also had their police vehicle given a good hosing down.
“It was very busy with lots of local people supporting such a good cause,” a police spokesperson said. “Well done to Phil and the team, and a special thank you for hosing down our police vehicle whilst we were there.”
The event highlighted the strong sense of camaraderie between emergency services in the area and the ongoing support from the community for their efforts.
For more information on future events and ways to support The Firefighters Charity, visit tancgc.gov.uk or mawwfire.gov.uk.
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