News

Purchase of old Library site in Haverfordwest confirmed

Published

4 years ago

April 5, 2022

Carli Newell

ATEB have announced the purchase of the old Library site in Haverfordwest.

The land and buildings covering 3.3 acres, which had been on the market since December 2018, were purchased this week.

Over the coming months, ateb will seek planning permission to develop the site with the potential uses including office space, collaborative community spaces, a community café, and a residential development to meet the housing needs of the local area.

Ateb Group Chief Executive Nick Hampshire said it was important to the organisation that its headquarters remained in Pembrokeshire’s county town.

“We are delighted and proud to become the new custodian of the old Library site and look forward to evolving this exciting regeneration project,’’ he said.

“The new homes, subject to planning, are very much needed for the local area.’’

Early artist impressions of the refreshed building.

The planning stage is likely to take around 12 months with an aim to start working on this project in 2023.

Nick would like to reassure residents with parking concerns that they will be engaging with those affected to find the best solution going forward.

He said: “We are aware of the issues around parking and look forward to engaging with residents and local councillors to consider their concerns and objections.’’

In the meantime, the car park will remain open and will be run in the short term by Pembrokeshire County Council

Ateb are pleased to be able to support the county council’s wider town centre regeneration plans along with generating new footfall in this under-used part of town.

The development of much-needed town centre residential accommodation is also important, all designed in a style in harmony with the importance of the location.

To minimise the impact on the town and on local residents, they intend to carry out the development in phases, with the timescale for submitting the application for planning consent set for later in the year.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

21 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.