News
Plans revealed to convert guest house to children’s care home
Ruth Stone of children’s charity Action for Children is seeking a change of use of the Cross Villa guesthouse, Templeton to a children’s home.
The application for the site at the A478 Boars Head pub/C3065 junction, made through agent Sanderson Weatherall, would see a reduction in the number of rooms, from seven to six.
The plans, which include the creation of new link between the main house and annex and associated works, would see five full-time workers employed on-site.
Action for Children lists its history on its website: “In 1869, the Reverend Dr Thomas Bowman Stephenson saw some children living rough under the arches of Waterloo Station.
“Instead of walking by, he stopped to listen to their stories. Then he worked out the most practical way to help.
“Dr Stephenson was a Methodist minister from the Northeast of England. He was also passionate about social justice. So, when he moved to London, he challenged the Methodist Church to take action to help children living on the streets.
“His work led to the creation of the National Children’s Home (NCH). In 1994 we became NCH Action for Children. We’ve been Action for Children since 2008.”
The scheme will be considered by county planners at a later date.


Crime
Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH
A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.
Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.
The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).
Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.
The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.
Crime
Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts
Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences
A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.
Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.
The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.
Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.
She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.
Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.
The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.
The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.
In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.
Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.
Community
Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration
LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK
THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.
The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.
The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”
Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.
The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.
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