News

Renovation works at Carmarthen bus station completed

Published

2 years ago

December 27, 2023

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says that it is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Carmarthen Bus Station Improvement Scheme, a transformative project aimed at enhancing public transportation infrastructure and improving the accessibility of Carmarthen Town for residents and visitors.

The comprehensive improvement scheme, funded by the Welsh Government Local Transport Fund grant, demonstrates the Council’s commitment to providing a high-quality public transport experience for residents and visitors alike. The funds were awarded through a National competitive bidding process, and are designated solely for the purpose of public transport infrastructure improvements.

Users of the bus station will now benefit from the widening of the Blue Street bay, as the expansion provides additional space for waiting and alighting passengers, This will reduce pedestrian and passenger congestion and ensure a safer and more accessible environment.

Brand new high specification shelters with sustainable green roof systems have been erected at every bay, whilst trees have been relocated within the street to enhance the overall aesthetics of the area.

Each bay has been fitted with new shelters along with electronic passenger information screens to provide real-time updates for passengers, in addition to this large passenger information screens have been installed at the north and south entry points of the bus station.

Complementing these improvements is the introduction of a raised crossing point and safety railings to improve pedestrian safety at the bottom end of Blue Street, directing pedestrian flow to the opposite side of the road and thereby increasing footfall along Blue Street shop frontages, thereby contributing to the economic vitality of local businesses.

The aims of the project align with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Well-being Objective 2 – to enable its residents to live and age well, and Well-being Objective 3 – to enable its communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous.

The scheme ensures that Carmarthen Bus Station will provide a high-quality public transport offering to residents and visitors of the town and county, and enhance the integration between bus, rail, and active travel.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr Edward Thomas said: “This modern and upgraded bus station is a wonderful gateway into Carmarthen Town and provides a safe, attractive and accessible bus station to passengers with readily available service information.

“The County Council would like to extend its gratitude to local businesses for their patience and support during works. It is our hope that the benefits of improved transport facilities and the enhanced streetscape will be enjoyed by the community for years to come.

“I would also like to thank the local councillors, representing the Carmarthen Town ward, for ensuring that the concerns of local businesses were effectively communicated to the project team.”

Crime

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

Published

12 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

13 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

14 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.