News

Pembrokeshire Wilko employees receive support after redundancies

Published

2 years ago

October 26, 2023

FORMER staff of the Pembrokeshire Wilko stores, who faced job losses following the retail giant’s administration, have been provided guidance on tapping into almost £7,000 of potential funding. Additionally, many have actively pursued new job opportunities.

Pembrokeshire’s Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) informed that Wilko employees received guidance on ReAct funding. This came about when the Pembrokeshire Employer and Partnership Team, in collaboration with Careers Wales, visited all local Wilko outlets to assist the staff impacted by layoffs.

Furthermore, these employees were enlightened about the benefits they qualify for, accessible through the DWP’s jobcentres.

Fred Hatton, a representative of Pembrokeshire’s Employer and Partnership Team, expressed optimism. “Given the thriving job market, numerous former Wilko employees are exploring job prospects in other retail businesses,” he remarked. He also emphasized the seasonal hiring surge, saying, “Retailers frequently expand their workforce during the festive season, with many transitioning to permanent roles afterwards.”

Mr. Hatton highlighted DWP’s recruitment drive, stating plans to bring on 20 more Work Coach staff at Jobcentres across south-west Wales. This is in addition to the recent advertising for 153 Universal Credit Review staff for the Pembroke Dock Service Centre.

He lauded the proactive efforts of Jobcentre work coaches and partnership teams, asserting their transformative impact on jobseekers’ lives, which consequently bolsters the broader UK economy.

Discussing the local job scenario, Mr. Hatton mentioned, “Many prominent employers regularly have job openings, addressing the inevitable employee turnover. Those on the job hunt should remain hopeful and persistent, even if they don’t immediately spot their dream job.”

He urged jobseekers to be adaptive, suggesting they might start in an alternate role to cultivate confidence and skills for their eventual career aspirations.

Jobseekers are encouraged to inquire about available training. Those not on benefits can approach Careers Wales for guidance. Assistance is extended universally, catering to various demographics and situations, including individuals transitioning from education, those aged 50 and above, individuals with health conditions, and those aiming for career progression.

In another initiative, the NHS Hywel Dda UHB Future Workforce team recently organized informational sessions at Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, and Haverfordwest Jobcentres. These sessions, which covered topics like NHS recruitment and apprenticeships, were met with significant interest, prompting plans for subsequent ones.

Mr. Hatton concluded, emphasizing the ongoing efforts in Pembrokeshire to bridge employers and jobseekers. “Recent government data is promising. Pembrokeshire has witnessed a 4% decline in benefit claimants over the past year. Notably, unemployment among the 50+ demographic has reduced by a substantial 16% during the same period.”

Crime

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

Published

15 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

15 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

16 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.