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Narberth: Swimming pool set to re-open

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Refurbishment: New glazed screen overlooking the pool

​AFTER a closure of nearly two months, SwimNarberth are very happy to announce that the community swimming pool will re-open on January 8.

Not all the work will have been completed until the end of February, when SwimNarberth hope to have a Grand Official Opening, but everyone will be amazed at what has been achieved.

The Narberth Swimming Pool Staff will now have an opportunity to start re-arranging the fixtures and fittings over the Christmas and new year holiday whilst the builders’ A & V Builders Ltd are away.

The decorators have finished the new blue colour scheme which, set against the brilliant white walls and new low energy light fittings give the public areas a vibrant and clean look. Carpets have been removed and new slip-resistant blue safety flooring has been laid in all changing rooms and public areas.

Sue Rees, Chair of the SwimNarberth Trustees​,​ said​:​ “We are absolutely delighted with the new internal layout and extensions, designed by the Architect Ken Morgan, which have allowed us to make a world of difference to the facilities we can now offer to our customers. “​

“Everyone has been so patient and understanding but I am sure they will be delighted with the improvements. We also look forward to being able to welcome lots of new people to come and enjoy visiting SwimNarberth in future. This project has given our community pool a new lease of life which will take us forward for many years to come.”

Manager Steve Howitt​ added: “The pool will be re-opening on Monday the 8th January 2017 and all classes will be back to normal. The only class that will not be running is the Thursday night Aquafit, as we don’t have an instructor for that session at the moment but hope to start soon.

“Thanks to everyone for all their support, we look forward to seeing everyone back and hope we will all enjoy Very Happy Swimming in 2018.”

SwimNarberth secured this grant towards significant improvements to the facility and work started on site in July 2017. This grant was received through the Welsh Government Rural Communities-Rural Development Programme 2015-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said: “Our Rural Development Programme is designed to deliver social and economic benefits to rural communities and I am pleased that we have been able to assist with this project. The refurbishment of SwimNarberth is excellent news for the local community and evidence of our commitment to promote social inclusion and improve economic development in rural areas.”

 

Crime

Threatened to smash up parents’ home after demand for alcohol refused

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Christopher Sizer’s mother told magistrates the family could no longer cope with his behaviour and repeated demands for money

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced after threatening to damage his parents’ home with a hammer when they refused his demands for pizza and alcohol.

Christopher Sizer made the threats on March 3 while at his parents’ property with a group of friends.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the 38-year-old had repeatedly asked his parents for money, causing increasing tension within the family.

“He came downstairs asking for pizza and drink, but was told there was already food in the house because they could not stretch to buying more,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said.

Sizer then referred to a hammer he knew was kept inside the property.

“He told his parents he would use the hammer to damage the windows and that he would also kick the doors in,” Ms Vaughan told the court.

In a victim impact statement, Sizer’s mother, Kay Sizer, said she and her husband were no longer able to manage their son’s behaviour.

“If we don’t give him what he wants, he threatens to kill himself,” she said.

“If we have a night away, he phones the hotel and constantly asks us for money. My husband has had to get another job just to bring in additional money.

“We can’t cope with this behaviour any more, nor with the threats he makes against the house.”

Sizer, of Prescelly Place, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to threatening to destroy or damage property.

Defending, Tom Lloyd said Sizer had paranoid schizophrenia and had lost his temper on the night of the offence.

“He said certain things which he regrets,” Mr Lloyd said.

“The defendant needs help and is willing to engage with the probation service to get it.”

Sizer was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement and ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

A two-year restraining order was also imposed, preventing him from contacting either of his parents directly or indirectly.

The order prohibits him from visiting any property occupied by his parents and from posting anything online or on social media that refers directly to them.

Sizer was fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.

 

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Crime

Man sentenced after smashing four holes in bedroom wall

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Adam Vickery damaged the Pembroke Dock social housing property after sending threatening messages to his partner

A MAN has been sentenced after smashing four large holes into the bedroom wall of a social housing property in Pembroke Dock.

The criminal damage was caused on the night of December 21 after Adam Vickery arrived at the rented home of his partner, Cerys Randall.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that earlier that evening Ms Randall had received numerous messages from Vickery while she was at work, some of which were threatening.

“When she got home, she walked upstairs to her bedroom and heard a series of bangs,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court.

“She discovered Adam Vickery smashing up her bedroom, so she phoned the police.”

When officers arrived, they found four large holes in the plaster walls of the bedroom.

The property is owned by Pembrokeshire County Council and rented through Ateb housing association, with Ms Randall named as the sole tenant.

“I don’t know how to say this, but I’ve had enough,” Ms Randall said in a victim impact statement read to the court.

“I’ve tried to help so much in the relationship, but there’s nothing more I can do.”

Vickery, of West Percy Street, North Shields, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“The defendant came down at Christmas to visit his children but found out that Ms Randall was going to take them away from him that night,” said Mr Kelleher.

“He became frustrated and took that frustration out on the wall. He fully accepts that this was wrong and that he now loses his good character as a result.”

Vickery, who had no previous convictions, was fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £16 court surcharge.

No compensation was awarded for the damage because the local authority had not provided sufficient information about the cost of repairing the wall.

 

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Crime

Narberth retailer speaks of shoplifting toll after ‘collectable bear’ stolen

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Independent shop owner said rising costs meant businesses could not afford to absorb losses caused by theft

A NARBERTH retailer has described the damaging impact shoplifting is having on independent businesses after a £120 collectable bear was stolen from her shop.

The owner of Matilda’s boutique and gift shop told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court that thefts were adding to the growing financial pressure faced by traders already struggling with rising costs.

Her victim impact statement was read during the sentencing of 45-year-old Christopher Brockway, who admitted stealing a pink leopard Charlie Bear from the High Street shop.

“People think they can just steal without realising the impact it has on other people and their families,” the proprietor said.

“I’m an independent retailer who has worked hard to set up my business, but it’s a real struggle to keep it going.

“I can’t afford thefts like this with the rising cost of electricity, and I just can’t absorb losses like this.”

The court heard that Brockway entered Matilda’s on May 12 before placing the £120 collectable bear inside his jacket.

CCTV footage showed him leaving the premises without making any attempt to pay.

Brockway, of Silverdale Lodge, Johnston, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

Magistrates ordered him to pay £120 compensation to Matilda’s.

He was also fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £32 court surcharge.

 

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