THE CELTIC FREEPORT has secured £638,000 in UK Government funding to support key infrastructure projects in Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot, helping to unlock future investment and accelerate development linked to floating offshore wind and clean energy industries.

The funding forms part of a wider £3.3 million package announced for sixteen Industrial Strategy Zone projects across the UK. The three successful Celtic Freeport schemes will focus on removing development barriers and preparing sites for future commercial activity.

Successful projects

Criterion Quay, Pembroke Dock — £213,000

Funding will support technical assessments required to enable floating offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) infrastructure at the site.

Talbot Wharf, Port Talbot — £265,000

Land remediation works will improve the viability of development plots, making them more attractive to companies within the floating offshore wind supply chain.

Port Talbot Marine Infrastructure — £160,000

Feasibility and design work will be carried out to refurbish two jetties, supporting future import and export activity and strengthening marine capability at the port.

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:“From offshore wind manufacturing on the Humber to new clean energy facilities in Pembrokeshire, this backing for our freeports will generate real economic growth across the country. By tackling the barriers developers face early on, we’re helping to unlock significant private investment and create thousands of good jobs in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.”

Luciana Ciubotariu, Chief Executive of Celtic Freeport, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot. Securing UK Government funding for these three projects accelerates the Celtic Freeport’s vision, supporting investment in port infrastructure that will enable floating offshore wind and the wider green energy transition.”

Trading Standards says trader failed to engage after advice — criminal investigation not ruled out

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has confirmed it is continuing to assess complaints relating to Steven Grant and his business Computer Solutions Wales, and has not ruled out the possibility of a criminal investigation.

The statement comes after the Pembrokeshire Herald published a series of reports in recent weeks detailing allegations from customers and former workers who say they were left out of pocket following dealings with the business.

The council confirmed that complaints were first received by its Trading Standards Service in October 2024.

At that time, officers assessed the matters as predominantly civil disputes between consumers and a trader, meaning they did not initially meet the threshold for criminal enforcement action.

However, Trading Standards officers did engage directly with Mr Grant.

A council spokesperson said: “Trading Standards colleagues met with Mr Grant to discuss the concerns raised and offered extensive business advice verbally and in writing, outlining his statutory duties as a trader and steps that he could take to resolving the various grievances.”

Advice was also provided to complainants about how devices might be recovered and the options available through civil legal processes.

Engagement ‘unmet’

The council has now confirmed that attempts to continue dialogue with Mr Grant have not been successful.

The spokesperson said: “Since this early engagement Trading Standards colleagues have been unable to obtain updates from Mr Grant, and attempts to engage in further dialogue have gone unmet.”

The authority added that it remains aware of ongoing complaints and unresolved issues.

“The Trading Standards Service is aware that certain matters remain unresolved and of wider complaints and will continue to appraise the nature of these issues and whether a criminal investigation might be warranted.”

Officers also confirmed they were aware of changes to trading addresses and company status connected to the business.

Legal powers complex

The council explained that newer consumer protection legislation — including the Digital Markets, Consumers and Competition Act 2024 — provides civil enforcement mechanisms designed to encourage compliance by traders, but these processes can be lengthy and depend on engagement from the business concerned.

Growing number of complaints

The Herald has been contacted by a significant number of individuals who say they paid money for repairs, devices or services that were delayed, not delivered, or subject to refund disputes.

Others claim equipment was not returned, while former workers have also alleged unpaid wages.

Mr Grant has previously said problems stemmed from a dispute with a landlord which prevented access to customer devices, and has said he was seeking legal advice regarding how property could be returned.

He has since declined to provide further comment.

How to complain

The council said any new complaints relating to Steven Grant or Computer Solutions Wales should be reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which acts as the national gateway for Trading Standards referrals.

Consumers can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

Case sent to Crown Court amid claims of stalking, abduction and dangerous driving

A PEMBROKE DOCK man is to appear before a Crown Court judge charged with repeatedly engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman.

Alfie Hegarty, aged 20, of Church Street, Pembroke Dock, is accused of repeatedly or continuously engaging in behaviour said to have controlled the complainant’s social media use, restricted who she could speak to and involved extreme jealousy.

“The allegations go further than that and include abduction, dangerous driving, stalking, coercive controlling behaviour and harassment,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Mr Davies asked magistrates to decline jurisdiction because of the seriousness of the case.

“This is not suitable for summary trial, given the effect that it’s had on the victim,” he said.

Hegarty denied the allegation. No representations were made by his solicitor.

Magistrates granted the Crown’s request and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings are due to begin on March 27.

Hegarty was released on conditional bail. The conditions are that he must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not enter her address in Neyland.