News
The race is on as candidates canvass voters ahead of The Havens by-election
THE HAVENS Electoral Ward in Pembrokeshire – which includes Little Haven, Broad Haven, Nolton and the surrounding area – is set for a by-election on October 10, following the sad passing of the popular Councillor Peter Morgan.
This election has sparked significant interest due to the candidacy of controversial figure Mike Harris, alongside other notable candidates who bring diverse experiences and ambitions to the fore.
Mike Harris, who previously served as a councillor in Pontypool until 2017, is well-known for his controversial term, particularly for a Facebook post that wrongfully linked a local man to Jimmy Savile, suggesting a paedophilic connection.

This led to his censure by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and severe criticism from the ethics and standards committee for actions that brought his office into disrepute.
He faced backlash for derogatory comments about refugees, which were exposed in a WalesOnline report, highlighting his use of the term ‘rapefugees’ on social media.
Last week he defended his controversial comments on the Facebook group Pembrokeshire Musings, stating unremorsefully: “Turns out I was not far of the mark way back then!”
In regards to the false claims about a man being a sex offender he wrote: “Members of the group were supporters of known local paedophiles. Hence the link to Saville. They were miffed I exposed them. I hope that clears it up for you.”
He says that he has now changed his mind on gay adoption, saying he is now for it, and that his previous views, despite being controversial, had been supported by an Archbishop.
Since 2018, Harris and his wife Clare have operated Newgale Campsite. They have focused on enhancing guest facilities while maintaining the coastal charm, offering a variety of activities and welcoming families, groups, and pets.

Challenging Harris are candidates like Jony Griff, an independent focused on local issues, and Thomas James Hughes from the Welsh Liberal Democrats, who advocates for enhanced community services.
However, it is Nick Neumann of the Welsh Conservative Party who stands out with his impressive background and visionary projects.
Pembrokeshire-born Nick Neumann and his wife run Newgale Holidays, a self-catering, camping and beachside cafe located in one of Pembrokeshire’s most stunning coastal areas.
With a degree in agriculture and business, Neumann spent eight years developing Pembrokeshire Agrisolutions, a farming business that he established in July 2000, focusing on combinable crops, livestock, and residential property interests.

His career took him to China in 2008, where he worked for British Sugar plc as an agriculture development manager and later as director for the Asia Pacific region, gaining significant international experience.
Upon returning to Pembrokeshire in 2021, Neumann continued to expand his local business ventures.
His tourism enterprise at Newgale, which includes a 205-acre farm and a property portfolio under Assured Shorthold Tenancy, has recently gained planning approval for a holiday lodge development.
As the by-election approaches, the voters of The Havens face a big decision. The election not only serves as a reflection on the candidates’ past actions but also on their visions for the area’s future services, development and sustainability.
This by-election represents a pivotal moment in that small coastal community, at a time when there are many key issues in the ward – as well as the the future of road through Newgale, and the proposed DARC deep space radar project in Brawdy are being discussed in wards nearby.
Watch this space.
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 92-year-old 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 92-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.”
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