News
Special meeting called for Pembrokeshire’s new Development Plan
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has scheduled a special meeting on Friday (Sept 13), to focus on a key issue: the approval of the Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP 2) for the period 2017-2033. This new plan is crucial for shaping how the county will develop over the next decade and a half, and the council is keen to move it forward.
The Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP 2) sets out a comprehensive vision for land use, housing, infrastructure, and economic development in Pembrokeshire. It will guide where new homes, businesses, and services will be located, while balancing the need for growth with the preservation of the county’s natural environment. The plan covers vital areas such as sustainable development, transport links, and the provision of affordable housing, ensuring Pembrokeshire evolves in a strategic and responsible way.
This special meeting is needed to approve the second version of the plan, known as the Deposit Plan 2, so it can be made available for public consultation. This stage is crucial, as it allows residents and businesses to have their say on proposals that will shape the future of their communities. Feedback from this consultation will be used to refine the plan before it is finalised and adopted.
The current Local Development Plan, adopted in 2013, is nearing the end of its validity. The new plan must be put in place to ensure the council has an up-to-date framework to manage planning applications and guide future development in the county.
By holding this special meeting, the council is aiming to avoid delays in the planning process and ensure that Pembrokeshire is ready to meet future challenges with a clear and well-considered strategy. Once the Deposit Plan is approved, it will be open for public review, giving people a chance to shape how their towns and villages will grow and change over the coming years.
Business
Llangwm brewery closes after entering liquidation
A SMALL Pembrokeshire brewing company has been formally wound up after its owners concluded the business could no longer continue.
Black Tar Brewing Co Ltd, which was registered in Llangwm, entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation following a meeting of company members on February 27, 2026.
The meeting was held at the Swansea offices of Stones & Co Insolvency Practitioners, where Gareth Stones was appointed to oversee the closure.
The company’s registered address was at Gail Rise in Llangwm, near Haverfordwest, and official records listed its activities as beer manufacturing.
No public details have yet been released about the size of the business, the value of its assets or the amount owed to creditors.
As liquidator, Mr Stones will now take control of the company’s affairs, identify any remaining assets and determine whether funds are available for those owed money.
Creditors are expected to receive further information as the process develops.
The liquidation was initiated by the company rather than through a court order, meaning its members voted to bring trading to an end and place its finances in the hands of an insolvency practitioner.
A public notice connected to the closure directs creditors and other interested parties to Stones & Co for further information.
The winding-up brings an end to the Llangwm-registered brewery, although the company’s recent level of trading and the number of people connected to the business remain unclear.
Crime
Murder investigation launched into death of Pembrokeshire man in 1991
A 67-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after new potential evidence emerged in connection with a death more than three decades ago.
Dyfed-Powys Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of 58-year-old Bentley Mathias, who died in hospital in 1991.
Mr Mathias died at Morriston Hospital on November 19, 1991, with his cause of death recorded at the time as a brain haemorrhage.
His death was not initially treated as suspicious. However, police said new potential evidence had since come to light, prompting the case to be investigated as a murder enquiry.
On Wednesday, July 22, officers arrested a 67-year-old man from the Llandewi Velfrey area of Pembrokeshire on suspicion of murder.
He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.
The enquiry remains ongoing.
Education
Haverfordwest pupils impress judges with eco-friendly cleaning business
Ysgol Preseli also represented Pembrokeshire among five finalists at an all-Wales green skills competition
A TEAM of Haverfordwest pupils has earned national recognition after developing a range of environmentally friendly cleaning products aimed at hotels and tourism businesses.
The Sustainables, from Haverfordwest High VC School, presented their idea to business leaders, Welsh Government representatives and sustainability experts at the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon 2026.
The pupils gave a live demonstration of their product and explained how it could be priced and marketed to businesses across the hospitality sector.

Their combination of environmental thinking and commercial awareness impressed the judging panel, which awarded the team a Highly Commended prize.
Pupils from Ysgol Preseli also reached the final, meaning Pembrokeshire was represented by two of the five teams selected from across south and west Wales.
The competition, held at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Carmarthen, challenged Year 8 pupils to find practical solutions to environmental problems affecting tourism, hospitality and the built environment.

The overall winners were the Green Guardians from Llangatwg Community School in Neath Port Talbot.
Their design for a more sustainable school included an outdoor learning centre which could also operate as a pupil-run garden café.
The hackathon marked the end of a year-long programme in which pupils worked alongside teachers, employers and community organisations to research problems, develop ideas and present their solutions.
More than 1,000 Pembrokeshire pupils have taken part in the Tomorrow’s Changemakers programme since it was introduced in the county in 2023.
The Port of Milford Haven is the programme’s main partner in Pembrokeshire.





Anna Mullarkey, the Port’s stakeholder engagement and communications manager, said: “The creativity and innovation shown by these learners is truly inspiring.
“They transformed their ideas into practical solutions that could help build a more sustainable future.
“We’re proud to support young people in reaching their full potential and delighted to see schools across Pembrokeshire creating environments where ideas and talent can flourish.”
The programme has now worked with more than 3,000 young people across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot.
It is due to expand further from September, with Ysgol Harri Tudor and Ysgol Caer Elen joining the Pembrokeshire programme alongside schools in Swansea, Powys and Bridgend.
Cymbrogi Futures founder and chief executive Liza Lort-Phillips said Pembrokeshire remained at the heart of the initiative.
She said: “The county has extraordinary young people with bold ideas about the future of their communities.
“Our job is to give them the space, the tools and the confidence to act on those ideas.”
-
Crime2 days agoDrunken rail passenger tried to headbutt police after being refused travel
-
Crime2 days agoWomen jailed after man chased through Milford home and attacked with knives
-
News1 day agoBurnham more willing to listen on Welsh devolution, says First Minister
-
Crime1 day agoHaverfordwest man jailed for seven years for historic rape and sexual assault of girl
-
Crime2 days agoMother headbutted and clawed police officers after threatening social worker
-
Community2 days agoSenior councillors to consider call for ‘impartial investigation’ into Manorbier school closure
-
Entertainment2 days agoAerial circus show exploring identity and belonging comes to Torch Theatre
-
Community1 day ago£447,000 investment to train next generation of planners in Wales






