Community

Completion of first phase of Johnston Council Houses celebrated

Published

2 years ago

December 20, 2023

THE NEW homes are the first residential properties built by the Local Authority in more than 25 years and are an important moment in PCC’s Housing Development Programme.

Built on land of the former Johnston Community Primary School, Old School Lane development consists of 33 new homes that include a mix of one to five bedroom properties.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Delivery Councillor Jon Harvey said: “I am delighted that our first new build council houses for many years have been completed with tenants due to take occupation after Christmas.

“I would like to thank the Council’s contractor WB Griffiths for stepping in to complete the development following the previous contractor going into administration and also the local community for their positive engagement throughout.

“This development is the first of a number of sites that the Council has in its house building programme over the coming years.”

Offering a range of general allocation, supported living and disabled adapted properties, these homes deliver a new look to social housing in Pembrokeshire.

The properties are built to meet high energy efficiency levels to help keep running costs down and designed for greater future accessibility flexibility, creating a ‘home for life’.

This includes ground floor wet rooms in all properties along with low threshold doorways.
Externally the development features permeable block paving throughout, helping to reduce the strain on the existing drainage system and improve the way surface water can drain away.

Local Member Cllr Aled Thomas said he was thrilled to see the completion of the first phase.

“Housing issues are felt acutely across Johnston, and the local lettings policy developed in conjunction with Johnston Community Council will see local people being able to live in their home community once again.

“I look forward to seeing the final completion of this development, as well as other developments that are in the pipeline for the village.”

The properties were recently advertised on the Pembrokeshire Choice Homes website, which gave anyone with an open housing application the opportunity to express their interest. Due to the popularity of this development, there has been a record number of bids on these homes.

Working with the local community a Local Lettings Policy has been applied, offering applicants who could demonstrate a local connection to Johnston the opportunity to move to the new properties.

The first 14 homes will be occupied in January and the final stage of the development of 33 properties will be completed by Spring 2024. During this time, there will be an opportunity for the local community to visit.

Director of Housing and Social Care Michael Gray said: “I’m delighted to see the Old School Development come to fruition.

“Our Housing Strategy is clear on increasing the supply of affordable housing to meet local needs, whilst at the same time, supporting people to live independently for longer in their own homes.

“This development will increase our supply of general, supported living and adapted properties.”

Please follow the PCC Housing Services Facebook page for further development updates. If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Liaison Team via [email protected] or 01437 764551.

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

10 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

20 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”