News

West Wales community group aims to launch local sustainable Community Benefit Society

Published

4 years ago

April 23, 2022

THE HUBBERSTON and Hakin Community Forum, a development group focused on the regeneration of local communities in the Milford Haven area, is pleased to announce its Community Asset Transfer application to Pembrokeshire County Council for a new, sustainable local redevelopment project.

The Forum, which has spearheaded community redevelopment through the Building Communities Trust’s ‘Invest Local’ funding programme since 2016, is looking to secure Council approval for a new commercially sustainable and community-led development agenda, coordinated through a new organisation, the Gelliswick Bay Development Society.

Using a proportion of remaining funds secured under the Invest Local programme, the Forum’s proposal will create a new, self-sustaining development project allowing the community to come together to allocate investment in their local area. This central tenet of the Forum’s vision is designed so that it leaves a legacy to serve the needs of the community, not just today but long into the future.

The Gelliswick Bay Development Society will seek private, local investment into the fund and investors will have a vote on future development plans in their area. A large proportion of the Society’s profits will be reinvested into local organisations and associations in the community with some profits also held back to ensure future investment for generations to come.

Following the necessary approvals from the Council, initial plans are focused on the redevelopment of the former caravan park at Gelliswick. During this phased project, additional camping and parking facilities will be introduced, with subsequent development to involve the introduction of woodland walks, sports areas, coffee shop facilities, and workshops, as well as a resource centre to be used by local organisations, associations, and schools. There will also be an area of dedicated Green Space for the communities’ wellbeing, with eco-therapy courses and other opportunities for local people to practice rural crafts available.

The proposal has been made both with the community in mind and by the community itself, with extensive engagement and consultation with a wide range of local stakeholders including the Sea Scouts, Sea Cadets, Gelliswick School, Preservation Society, and local residents.

David Warrell (Forum Chair), the Hubberston and Hakin Community Forum, commented:

“We see this as a unique opportunity to create a long-lasting, sustainable and community-led investment platform that can focus on the redevelopment of our beloved communities. The monies we received under the Building Communities Trust’s ‘Invest Local’ programme back in 2016 has been transformational but was never designed to last forever.

“In launching this Community Benefit Society, we want to ensure that there is a legacy for the future generations to reap the rewards so that our communities flourish for years to come.

“Our gratitude is particularly extended to Forum colleague, Darren Briggs, for his immense effort in pulling together the proposal and application.”

The proposals will be submitted to the Pembrokeshire County Council and will be subject to review, planning and funding considerations and appraisals.

Crime

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

Published

9 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.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.