A CALL to allow the selling of alcohol as late as 10pm at a rural beauty spot former village tearoom which objectors fear will “create an absolute nightmare” exacerbating an already growing issue with antisocial behaviour from holidaymakers, has been given the go-ahead.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s February licensing sub-committee, members considered an application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton.

A report for members said it was proposed the premises, formerly a tearoom called ‘Ye Olde Worlde Café’ would open 8am-10pm, selling alcohol from 9am on and off site, seven days a week in the village.

Since the proposal for the site, close to the village pub The St Govan’s Inn, was publicised, 13 objections were received, including Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council.

In its submissions, the community council said it “will cause a significant public nuisance in the residential area”.

It said the ordinarily tranquil Bosherston, with its neighbouring beauty spot attractions of the lily ponds and St Govans currently has four well-established camp sites “which already frequently cause late night disruption, littering and anti-social behaviour caused predominantly by intoxicated individuals”.

It went on to say: “Instances of aggressive behaviour and trespass are already prevalent within the village by visitors under the influence of alcohol.”

Concerns raised by members of the public included fears of “an increased problem with drunkenness, drink driving and antisocial behaviour,” and it would “make life for the residents in the immediate area an absolute nightmare”.

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Sarah Jane Partridge said they shared “the same fundamental aims as the residents,” with the scheme “not about creating a drinking venue but a food-based family bistro”.

She stressed that campers were already able to buy alcohol from the pub, or bring their own to the campsites, adding the 84-cover bistro would introduce safeguarding measures around the sale of any alcohol; off-site sales consisting of ‘gift-set’-style alcohol craft packages rather than “cans of lager”.

Objector Rik Guly said there had been many public order incidents over the years in the 36-home village relating to visitors from the campsites, as well as empty beer bottles, tampons and tins littering the area, one farmer also having his ‘honesty box’ stolen on several occasions; the application “effectively throwing a catalyst for more alcohol consumption and more public disorder”.

He also raised concerns it could restrict access along the narrow road to the nearby coastguard building for emergency services.

Another objector Clare Strudwick said “almost half the village” was objecting to the scheme which would cause “unacceptable public nuisance”.

Representing the community council, local county councillor Steve Alderman, who once farmed in Bosherston himself, said post-Covid visitor interest in the area had been raised “immeasurably,” with huge numbers attracted to the area.

He said that, while “antisocial behaviour, both physical and verbal” and “a complete lack of respect for what is a marvellous-looking village” was “society’s fault,” the resident’s had a right to enjoy their quality of life.

After the committee deliberated, chair Cllr Tony Wilcox said they had considered the range of objections but considered they were “not of sufficient seriousness to consider rejecting the application”.

The licensing application was approved, objectors hearing that decision could be appealed within 28 days.

RESIDENTS in Howarth Close, Milford Haven, may have noticed an increased police presence in the area on Tuesday (Feb 24), as officers carried out door-to-door visits to promote a new community messaging service.

Members of the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team spoke directly with residents to encourage sign-ups to Dyfed-Powys Connects — a free email alert system designed to keep communities informed about local policing matters.

The service provides updates on crime, antisocial behaviour, policing activity, community events and crime prevention advice tailored to specific neighbourhoods.

Officers say the initiative aims to strengthen communication between police and the public, helping residents stay informed about issues affecting their area.

Residents can sign up to the free service online at: https://orlo.uk/3POxP

Over 1,200 Pembrokeshire pupils took part in longest-running initiative of its kind in Wales

AGENCIES from across Pembrokeshire have gathered at the South Hook LNG Terminal to review the continued success of Crucial Crew — widely regarded as the county’s most important safety education event for young people.

The thirty-second Crucial Crew programme, the longest-running initiative of its kind in Wales, took place over two weeks before Christmas at Scolton Manor, welcoming more than 1,200 pupils from thirty-nine schools. The event is organised by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Team with financial support from South Hook LNG Terminal.

Representatives from partner agencies and Scolton Manor were invited to South Hook recently to reflect on the delivery of the latest programme, evaluate feedback from teachers, and consider ways the initiative can continue to evolve to meet the needs of young people.

Since its launch in 1993, more than 40,000 Pembrokeshire schoolchildren have benefited from the interactive workshops, which remain a key part of the final year of primary school education in the county.

The event brings together emergency services and specialist organisations to provide practical safety advice across a range of real-life situations. Topics include water, fire, road and rail safety, electrical hazards, school bus evacuation, online safety and dog awareness, with pupils guided through realistic scenarios designed to build confidence and awareness.

Organisations delivering sessions include Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety and School Transport teams, National Grid, Network Rail, Welsh Ambulance Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the John Burns Foundation, HM Coastguard and the RNLI.

A spokesperson said the continued partnership approach ensures the event remains relevant and impactful for future generations of young people in Pembrokeshire.

Photo caption: Partners and agencies involved in Crucial Crew meet at South Hook LNG Terminal to discuss ongoing improvements to the annual safety event (Pic: Supplied).