Business
Post Office operators in Wales urged to share experiences for Horizon Inquiry
POST OFFICES operators in South Wales West have been urged by local Member of the Senedd (MS) Luke Fletcher to share their experiences of working with the Post Office, providing crucial evidence for the Inquiry into the Horizon scandal.
The Horizon IT Inquiry, an independent public investigation, is examining the failures surrounding the Horizon computer system, which led to the wrongful prosecution and conviction of numerous sub-postmasters. Among them is Tim Brentnall from Roch, Pembrokeshire, who was wrongfully prosecuted in 2010 for false accounting following a £22,000 shortfall at his branch.
Brentnall is one of 736 former Post Office managers prosecuted due to the flawed Horizon computer system. His conviction was overturned in 2021, and he has since given evidence to the Post Office inquiry.
The scandal severely impacted Brentnall’s personal life, adding stress to his and his partner Steph’s efforts to start a family. Now, with the arrival of their baby, Lando, three weeks ago, Brentnall expressed his joy on BBC Breakfast, saying, “Ten years ago I would never have thought it would be possible to be this happy and this new life.”
He recounted the harrowing experience of being suspended and prosecuted, despite knowing he had not taken any money. His parents took out a loan to cover the alleged debt, but Brentnall was still advised to plead guilty, resulting in an 18-month suspended sentence and 200 hours of community service.
Living next to the Post Office has served as a constant reminder of the ordeal, but now, Brentnall and his partner Steph, who overcame cancer and its treatment, are looking forward to their new family life. “It has been a real joy to be able to start to build towards the next chapter,” he said.
The Inquiry has reached out to up to 16,000 people across the UK through independent research and data analytics firm YouGov, asking them to anonymously share their experiences of the Post Office. Every current sub-postmaster in the UK is being surveyed about their experience working with the Post Office, and applicants under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme are being asked about their experiences with the compensation process.
Findings from these surveys will be presented during the Inquiry’s final phase, Phase 7, to inform Inquiry Chair Sir Wyn Williams’ findings and recommendations. Williams highlighted the importance of these personal accounts, stating, “Human stories are at the heart of this Inquiry. I urge all those who are contacted to complete the surveys, and I offer my heartfelt thanks now to all those who take the time and trouble to do so.”
Plaid Cymru’s Luke Fletcher emphasized the ongoing impact of the Horizon scandal on communities in Wales and across the UK. He encouraged those in South Wales West who have received the surveys to contribute to the research.
According to UK Parliamentary data, there are over 952 post offices in Wales as of March 2023, most of which are owned by sub-postmasters who will receive the survey.
Eligible participants have been contacted via email and can contribute their experiences anonymously online or over the phone, with reasonable adjustments available for those who need them.
Business
205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners
A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.
The works were completed back in 2019.
A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”
It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.
The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.
“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Business
Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition
WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.
The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.
The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.
The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.
Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.
Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.
“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”
The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.
Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.
For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.
The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.
Business
Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted
A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.
A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”
It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”
It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”
With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.
“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.
The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.
The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.
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