News

Freshwater East: Appeal after more than 30 protected trees felled

Published

6 years ago

January 26, 2018

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY is appealing for information after dozens of protected trees in Freshwater East were illegally felled and abandoned.

The trees, which are mostly ash, sycamore and hawthorn, are part of a woodland which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Most of the trees are owned by the National Park Authority but some belong to a local resident.

TPOs protect trees for amenity, public enjoyment or their environmental benefit and prohibit changes such as cutting down, topping, lopping or uprooting without permission from the local planning authority.

Park Authority Director of Park Direction and Planning, Jane Gibson said: “We take this type of breach very seriously and local police have already made door to door enquiries. We are appealing for anyone who has information about the felling of these trees to come forward.

“This is the worst breach of a TPO I have ever encountered. Not only has someone felled trees that were protected, they have carried out these unauthorised works on land that didn’t belong to them.

“As the trees have simply been left the Park Authority will have to undertake remedial work to selectively clear, coppice and replant the site at significant cost.

“If you are found guilty of damaging a tree protected by a TPO, you could be hit with a fine of up to £2,500 per tree. Those found guilty of destroying a tree protected by a TPO can be fined as much as £20,000 per tree, although in serious cases the fine can be unlimited.”

Park Authority Warden Manager (South) Tim Jones added: “Many of the trees were located in the Freshwater East Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and local people campaigned long and hard for the TPO in order to protect the woodland from development.

“As the trees have been left on the site rather than taken away to burn for firewood it is unclear why they were felled, but nobody would have commissioned such work unless they stood to benefit from it.”

For more information on trees in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, including an interactive map of TPOs, please visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/trees.

Anyone with information about the unauthorised felling should contact the National Park Authority on 01646 624800 quoting Planning Enforcement Breach Reference: EC17/0149.

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

5 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Crime

Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop

Published

9 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.

A window was smashed and the door handle broken.

Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

News

Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2

Published

9 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.

They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.

A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.

This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.

If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.