News
Council in ‘super-secret plan’ to build facility for homeless in Observatory Avenue
THE SITE of the former Hubberston School in Hakin, Milford Haven, will be used as a temporary site for the homeless a Herald investigation has uncovered.
Work has started on the highly secretive plans following demolition of the school buildings.
The plan has been put into action before any consultation with local councillors, the residents of Observatory Avenue, or the wider Hakin community, this newspaper can confirm.
Builders working for Pembrokeshire County Council have been laying down the groundworks for ‘pods’ which will provide the accommodation on the site.
Rumours began after contractors started the construction of a wall, an access ramp, and other ground works.
We asked the Council whether the development would be used to for temporary accommodation for Pembrokeshire’s homeless.
The council refused to confirm or deny the plans but they were evasive, saying only the following: “Minor works are currently taking place at the former Hubberston VC school site following the demolition of the school buildings.
“The Council is currently considering options for developing new social housing on the site to meet the high demand for housing in the local community.
“The Council will be consulting with the local community as those plans develop.”
But that statement appears to be disingenuous, as construction of the facility for the homeless is well underway.
The Herald has now had on-the-record confirmation from a contact in the local authority stating that the plan is going ahead.
The Herald also got confirmation from the same source that suggestions that asylum seekers would be accommodated in the pods were untrue.
We pushed the point again with the Council’s press office but a spokesperson said they would not comment further.
However, in November 2020, delegated decision was made by the Director of Social Services and Cabinet Member for Housing to award a contract to ISO Spaces South West Limited for the provision of eight pre-constructed accommodation units or ‘pods’.
These pods are likely to be the ones to be sited in Hakin, The Herald understands.
Residents have expressed concern about the prospect of an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime in the area, citing the experience of Johnston residents when the Silverdale was used for temporary accommodation during the pandemic.
One resident of Observatory Avenue we spoke to, who asked not to be named at this stage, said that the location was “the worst possible” due to it being in a “high density area”.
Our source added: “I am absolutely stunned that the local authority can spend tax payers’ money to start building this facility in a residential street without even telling the residents.
“Whist I accept there must be provision for the homeless in every council area, I feel that they must be bonkers to build this facility here in our street – and why have they been deliberately secretive about these plans.
“What have they got to hide? Why a super-secret plan? Is this Silverdale Part 2?”
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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