#pembrokeshire-council — Public Fediverse posts

Award-winning Paternoster Farm restaurant to close, blaming council for ‘exhausting’ uncertainty

Award-winning Pembrokeshire restaurant Paternoster Farm is to close by the end of April, with owner Michelle Evans blaming “exhausting and emotionally draining” uncertainty over the farm’s tenancy with Pembrokeshire County Council.

The team will relocate their acclaimed hospitality operation to The Old Point House pub in Angle, just six miles away, and have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the move.

Paternoster Farm, set in a former milking parlour in Hundleton, gained national recognition for its sustainable ethos and daily-changing set menu, earning praise from The Times and a place in the Good Food Guide for three consecutive years.

However, the future of the restaurant was thrown into doubt after Pembrokeshire County Council gave notice that it would not extend the farm tenancy. According to owner Michelle Evans, a former solicitor, the council’s subsequent actions have made staying impossible.

“Twelve months have elapsed since the Authority advised our tenancy would not be extended,” Evans said in a statement. “We were given hope when a full council meeting unanimously voted to uphold our petition and, in doing so, accepted that the County Farm Policy was not fit for purpose. An urgent policy review was agreed, yet almost eight months later that review has not begun. It has become apparent we are looking at years, not months, before a longer-term decision is made.”

She described the past year as “exhausting and emotionally draining for our whole family and our team.”

The opportunity to take over The Old Point House in Angle offered long-term security. The move is also a personal one for Evans, who grew up in the village. “This peninsula is home,” she said.

The new venue will feature a pub menu with handmade classics like pies and Scotch eggs, alongside an evening restaurant menu in the same style that won Paternoster Farm its loyal following. A new bakehouse will also be created.

The team has launched a public Kickstarter to help fund the move, offering rewards including opening night tickets and private hire packages. The last day of service at the current Paternoster Farm location will be Friday, 17th April, with a closing party planned for the 18th.

Milford Haven School to reopen on Monday as staff praised for ‘professional and calm’ response after lockdown incident

Police were called to the site on Thursday afternoon after a teacher was injured in an incident involving a weapon. A 15‑year‑old was arrested at the scene. Pupils were kept safely inside classrooms while officers secured the area, with only a small number of learners still on site at the time.

In a new statement, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John praised the way staff and pupils handled the situation.

“On behalf of the school staff and governors, I would like to thank and praise all of the staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site,” he said.

“They all conducted themselves with professionalism and were calm throughout. We are extremely grateful to the emergency services for their rapid and effective response.

“Our heartfelt best wishes go out to our colleague, and we look forward to their full and speedy recovery.”

Council leader: ‘Safety and wellbeing remain the highest priority’

Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said he was pleased the school would reopen on Monday and reassured families that support is available for any pupils affected.

“If there are any pupils who have been affected by the incident and require additional support, please ask teachers or staff who will be able to help with well‑being provision,” he said.

“I would once again like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for their immediate response to the incident. Thanks also go to the wider school family across the community for their support following this challenging period.”

Cllr Harvey stressed that the safety of pupils and staff remains the council’s top priority across all Pembrokeshire schools.

“Along with our partners we want to reassure the learners and parents of Milford Haven School, and all schools across Pembrokeshire, that the safety and well‑being of everyone is the highest priority. This, of course, includes our dedicated teachers and other school staff.”

‘Lockdowns are routinely rehearsed’

The council also emphasised that lockdown procedures are regularly practised so that staff and pupils know exactly what to do in the rare situations where they are required.

“As a Local Authority we will of course continue to support Milford Haven School in whatever way possible following this awful incident,” Cllr Harvey added.

Further updates are expected to be issued to parents ahead of the school’s reopening on Monday.

Councils across South West Wales reject almost every pothole claim as drivers left paying the price

Fresh data obtained by the RAC reveals a bleak picture for motorists in our region, where refusal rates regularly top 97%, leaving families to cover repair bills that can easily run into hundreds of pounds.

Carmarthenshire: 114 claims, one payout — a 99% refusal rate

No council in our patch fared worse than Carmarthenshire, which rejected 113 out of 114 pothole damage claims in 2024.

That means just one driver received compensation all year — despite garages across the county reporting a steady stream of suspension failures, buckled wheels and blown tyres.

At a garage in Porthyrhyd, owner Aled Jenkins says the damage is relentless.

“We get people coming in more or less every week because of potholes,” he said. “It causes a lot of trouble for cars, especially with their suspensions.”

In Cwmamman, mechanic Amos Lawlor says drivers have simply lost faith in the system.

“Go back five or ten years and you’d put in a claim and get paid,” he said. “Now they’re clamping down. But the damage hasn’t stopped — we still see it every week.”

He warned that recent frosts will only make things worse: “Roads aren’t being maintained enough. After the latest frost, there’ll be more potholes again.”

Swansea, Pembrokeshire and NPT: refusal rates above 94%

The picture is no better in neighbouring counties.

Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Neath Port Talbot and the Vale of Glamorgan all rejected 97% of claims or more, according to the RAC’s analysis.

In practice, that means drivers who hit a pothole in Swansea or Pembrokeshire have almost no chance of receiving compensation — even if the damage is severe.

Neath Port Talbot wasn’t far behind, refusing more than 94% of claims.

Across the region, garages say the pattern is the same: more damage, fewer payouts, and drivers increasingly resigned to footing the bill themselves.

Bridgend: the one rare bright spot

One council in our wider region bucked the trend — and dramatically so.

Bridgend County Borough Council was the only authority in Wales to pay out 100% of the pothole claims it received last year.

It’s a tiny number of cases compared to Carmarthenshire or Swansea, but still a striking contrast in a landscape where almost every other council is rejecting nearly every claim.

Claims rising, payouts falling

While councils in our patch are rejecting claims at record levels, the number of drivers seeking compensation continues to rise.

Across Wales, pothole claims have jumped 26% since 2021 — but the proportion of successful payouts has fallen from one in four to just one in six.

The RAC says the average payout is £390, but the average repair bill for damage worse than a puncture is closer to £590 — leaving many families out of pocket even when they do win a claim.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams says strict definitions of what counts as a pothole are part of the problem.

“Some have to be four centimetres deep and a certain width,” he said. “If you hit one, it can cause a real jolt to the car and serious damage — and it’s a major safety risk, particularly for cyclists and motorcyclists.”

He warned that the true scale of the problem may be even worse, with several councils failing to provide data.

A growing crisis on local roads

For drivers in Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Bridgend, the message is clear: pothole damage is rising — but the chances of getting a penny back are shrinking fast.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Councils face record numbers of compensation claims for pothole damage
New figures reveal a surge in drivers seeking payouts as road conditions worsen across Wales.

Welsh Government hails 37,000 pothole fixes — but drivers still face a bumpy ride
Ministers say progress is being made, but motorists insist the repairs aren’t keeping pace with the damage.

Could AI fix the country’s pothole problem?
Experts explore whether new technology could finally help councils get ahead of the UK’s pothole crisis.

City council says it’s filled thousands of potholes to keep motorists on the move
Officials defend their record, saying crews are working around the clock to repair damaged roads.

Tributes paid to ‘fearless’ councillor and former Milford Mercury founder Mike Stoddart

Cllr Stoddart, who represented the Hakin ward for more than two decades, was widely regarded as one of the most outspoken and principled figures in local public life. A former journalist, he founded the Milford Mercury with his family in the 1990s, establishing a fiercely independent local newspaper that became a fixture of the town’s civic identity.

Alongside his wife, Cllr Vivien Stoddart, and daughter, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, he was part of a family deeply embedded in public service. All three went on to serve as county councillors, with Cllr Hodgson also holding the role of Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.

“A fearless campaigner for truth and justice”

Across Pembrokeshire, tributes described Cllr Stoddart as a man of conviction, courage and unwavering commitment to accountability.

Milford Haven Town Council said he was a “well‑known figure around the town and community,” adding that both Mike and Vivien had served the area “for many years as public servants and previously in running the former Milford Mercury.”

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Presiding Member, Cllr Simon Hancock, said members were “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news.

“For 22 years Mike has been a highly effective member of the authority, passionate, fearless and always exercising the greatest scrutiny in holding authorities to account,” he said. “He was a man of high principles, and he will be sorely missed.”

A formidable presence in County Hall

Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said he was “deeply shocked” to learn of Cllr Stoddart’s passing.

“Mike was the prime example of what someone in local politics should be – working for and demanding better for his constituents,” he said.

“Mike was unashamedly forthright. He would argue his corner with conviction and always with facts on his side. He has kept me and many predecessors as Leader firmly on our toes. The chamber and Pembrokeshire as a whole will be much poorer for his loss.”

Cllr Tim Evans described him as a “big presence” whose knowledge and experience would be greatly missed.

A journalist at heart

Before entering politics, Cllr Stoddart helped establish the Milford & West Wales Mercury, a family‑run newspaper launched at a time when independent local journalism played a central role in community life. The title later changed ownership several times before ceasing print publication in 2020.

Even after leaving the newsroom, he continued to scrutinise local decision‑making through his well‑read Old Grumpy website, where he wrote candidly — and often critically — about council business, governance and public accountability. His writing was known for its directness, sharp analysis and refusal to shy away from controversy.

“I couldn’t have wished for a better friend”

Cllr Jacob Williams, a close friend and fellow blogger, said Cllr Stoddart’s influence stretched far beyond the council chamber.

“Mike leaves a formidable legacy, and was very highly respected,” he said. “Not just because he was a prominent councillor for over 20 years with a record of fearlessly campaigning for truth and justice, but also the range of things he did in his thoroughly fulfilled life.

“To say he was my mentor wouldn’t do him justice – I couldn’t have wished for a better friend, and I’ll miss him dearly.”

A lasting legacy

Cllr Stoddart’s career spanned journalism, business, community activism and more than two decades of public service. Whether admired or challenged, he was a figure whose voice was rarely ignored and whose presence shaped political life in Milford Haven and beyond.

He is survived by his wife Vivien, daughter Tessa, and extended family.

Swansea Bay News extends its condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

Festive bin collection changes across South West Wales – check your dates

Every Christmas the same question crops up in households across South West Wales: when is bin day?

With bank holidays, extra rubbish and recycling, and crews working to revised schedules, it’s easy to get caught out. Councils say they’ve made changes to keep services running smoothly — here’s what you need to know.

Carmarthenshire – early and revised dates

Carmarthenshire County Council says it has moved several collections forward to keep services on track. Residents are urged to put bins out by 6am and remember the three black bag limit.

• Collections due on Monday 22 December will take place a day earlier on Sunday 21 December.
• Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) collections move to Wednesday 24 December.
• Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) collections move to Sunday 28 December.
• New Year’s Day collections will take place on Friday 2 January, with Friday rounds pushed to Saturday 3 January.

The council says hygiene and nappy waste will follow the same revised schedule. Recycling centres will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and shut at noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Cabinet Member Cllr Edward Thomas said: “Christmas is a time for celebration, and we want to make sure waste collections run smoothly so everyone can enjoy the holidays without worry.”

Swansea – later collections and recycling tips

Swansea Council says collections run as normal until Christmas Eve, but from Christmas Day onwards all rounds will be later than usual.

• Thursday rounds move to Sunday 28 December and Saturday 3 January.
• Friday rounds move to Monday 29 December and Sunday 4 January.
• Normal service resumes on Monday 5 January 2026.

The council is reminding residents to recycle wrapping paper that passes the “scrunch test” and to remove ribbons, bows and glitter. Food waste including turkey carcasses can go in the food caddy. The three black bag limit remains in place, with excess bags accepted at Llansamlet and Clyne recycling centres.

Swansea Council says real Christmas trees can be taken to recycling centres or booked for bulky waste collection. Centres will close at 1pm on Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Neath Port Talbot – minimal disruption

Neath Port Talbot Council says most collections remain unchanged.

• Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) rounds move to Saturday 27 December.
• Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) rounds move to Sunday 28 December.
• New Year’s Day (Thursday 1 January) rounds move to Friday 2 January, with Friday rounds on Saturday 3 January.

Pembrokeshire – extra bag allowance and tree collections

Pembrokeshire County Council says it will allow one extra residual waste bag on the first collection after Christmas to help households cope with festive excess.

Kerbside sort containers remain in use:

• Blue sack for cardboard and cards without glitter.
• Blue box for paper and recyclable wrapping paper.
• Red sack for plastics, cartons and tins.
• Green caddy for food waste including turkey bones.
• Green box for glass bottles and jars.

The council says collections will not take place on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. Missed rounds will be picked up two days later.

Residents can book a real Christmas tree collection for £5.60 via My Account or the council’s contact centre, with collections scheduled between 5–16 January 2026. Trees can also be taken to recycling centres free of charge.

Pembrokeshire County Council says Waste and Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, with some sites offering additional opening dates around the holidays.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Council apology after missed Christmas recycling collections
Carmarthenshire Council says sorry after festive recycling rounds were missed.

More recycling news
Catch up on the latest recycling and waste management stories from Swansea Bay News.

Swansea Council rejects black bag cutbacks
Authority pushes back against Welsh Government guidance on reducing black bag collections.

Festive bin collection changes across South West Wales – check your dates

Every Christmas the same question crops up in households across South West Wales: when is bin day?

With bank holidays, extra rubbish and recycling, and crews working to revised schedules, it’s easy to get caught out. Councils say they’ve made changes to keep services running smoothly — here’s what you need to know.

Carmarthenshire – early and revised dates

Carmarthenshire County Council says it has moved several collections forward to keep services on track. Residents are urged to put bins out by 6am and remember the three black bag limit.

• Collections due on Monday 22 December will take place a day earlier on Sunday 21 December.
• Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) collections move to Wednesday 24 December.
• Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) collections move to Sunday 28 December.
• New Year’s Day collections will take place on Friday 2 January, with Friday rounds pushed to Saturday 3 January.

The council says hygiene and nappy waste will follow the same revised schedule. Recycling centres will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and shut at noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Cabinet Member Cllr Edward Thomas said: “Christmas is a time for celebration, and we want to make sure waste collections run smoothly so everyone can enjoy the holidays without worry.”

Swansea – later collections and recycling tips

Swansea Council says collections run as normal until Christmas Eve, but from Christmas Day onwards all rounds will be later than usual.

• Thursday rounds move to Sunday 28 December and Saturday 3 January.
• Friday rounds move to Monday 29 December and Sunday 4 January.
• Normal service resumes on Monday 5 January 2026.

The council is reminding residents to recycle wrapping paper that passes the “scrunch test” and to remove ribbons, bows and glitter. Food waste including turkey carcasses can go in the food caddy. The three black bag limit remains in place, with excess bags accepted at Llansamlet and Clyne recycling centres.

Swansea Council says real Christmas trees can be taken to recycling centres or booked for bulky waste collection. Centres will close at 1pm on Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Neath Port Talbot – minimal disruption

Neath Port Talbot Council says most collections remain unchanged.

• Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) rounds move to Saturday 27 December.
• Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) rounds move to Sunday 28 December.
• New Year’s Day (Thursday 1 January) rounds move to Friday 2 January, with Friday rounds on Saturday 3 January.

Pembrokeshire – extra bag allowance and tree collections

Pembrokeshire County Council says it will allow one extra residual waste bag on the first collection after Christmas to help households cope with festive excess.

Kerbside sort containers remain in use:

• Blue sack for cardboard and cards without glitter.
• Blue box for paper and recyclable wrapping paper.
• Red sack for plastics, cartons and tins.
• Green caddy for food waste including turkey bones.
• Green box for glass bottles and jars.

The council says collections will not take place on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. Missed rounds will be picked up two days later.

Residents can book a real Christmas tree collection for £5.60 via My Account or the council’s contact centre, with collections scheduled between 5–16 January 2026. Trees can also be taken to recycling centres free of charge.

Pembrokeshire County Council says Waste and Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, with some sites offering additional opening dates around the holidays.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Council apology after missed Christmas recycling collections
Carmarthenshire Council says sorry after festive recycling rounds were missed.

More recycling news
Catch up on the latest recycling and waste management stories from Swansea Bay News.

Swansea Council rejects black bag cutbacks
Authority pushes back against Welsh Government guidance on reducing black bag collections.

Trevine woman loses dogs after neighbours’ barking nightmare

Julia Goodgame, of Bryn Y Derwydd, was fined £1,000 and slapped with a Criminal Behaviour Order after admitting she breached a Community Protection Notice. The court also imposed a Forfeit and Seizure Order, allowing officers to remove her dogs and place them in an animal welfare centre.

Protest over barking chaos

The row has rumbled on for more than a year in the small coastal village of Trevine. In August, frustrated neighbours staged a protest outside Goodgame’s home, claiming up to ten dogs were being kept at the property and describing the noise as “constant” and “intolerable.”

One pensioner told reporters they had been “kept awake for months,” while others complained of dogs roaming freely and fouling gardens.

Local councillor Neil Prior, who represents Llanrhian, said at the time the situation had been “slow and frustrating” for all involved, with council officers, housing staff and police in talks for over a year about enforcement.

Court battle

Goodgame was issued with a Community Protection Notice in June, ordering her to keep her dogs under control, prevent excessive barking, and clear mess properly. She was later accused of breaching the notice on nine occasions between June and July.

At a November hearing she admitted one count, relating to June 20, while eight other charges were dropped after the council offered no evidence. But magistrates warned further restrictions could follow.

On Thursday 11 December, the court imposed tougher measures — a Criminal Behaviour Order and the seizure of her dogs. Any breach of the CBO could see her back before magistrates facing jail.

Council hits out

Councillor Jacob Williams, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said the case showed coordinated action between public protection, housing services and police.

“Residents of the area have had to endure long periods of inconvenience and distress as a result of the situation, which hopefully will now be resolved.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Pembrokeshire livestock owner convicted of animal welfare offences
District Judge says animals suffered over a long period in a case brought by the council.

Pembrokeshire father and daughter plead guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to animals
Family admit charges after council investigation into poor treatment of animals.

Illegal dog breeder ordered to pay £100,000 or face jail
Court orders Carmarthenshire man to repay profits from illegal puppy sales or face prison.

Festive bin collection changes across South West Wales – check your dates

Every Christmas the same question crops up in households across South West Wales: when is bin day?

With bank holidays, extra rubbish and recycling, and crews working to revised schedules, it’s easy to get caught out. Councils say they’ve made changes to keep services running smoothly — here’s what you need to know.

Carmarthenshire – early and revised dates

Carmarthenshire County Council says it has moved several collections forward to keep services on track. Residents are urged to put bins out by 6am and remember the three black bag limit.

• Collections due on Monday 22 December will take place a day earlier on Sunday 21 December.
• Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) collections move to Wednesday 24 December.
• Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) collections move to Sunday 28 December.
• New Year’s Day collections will take place on Friday 2 January, with Friday rounds pushed to Saturday 3 January.

The council says hygiene and nappy waste will follow the same revised schedule. Recycling centres will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and shut at noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Cabinet Member Cllr Edward Thomas said: “Christmas is a time for celebration, and we want to make sure waste collections run smoothly so everyone can enjoy the holidays without worry.”

Swansea – later collections and recycling tips

Swansea Council says collections run as normal until Christmas Eve, but from Christmas Day onwards all rounds will be later than usual.

• Thursday rounds move to Sunday 28 December and Saturday 3 January.
• Friday rounds move to Monday 29 December and Sunday 4 January.
• Normal service resumes on Monday 5 January 2026.

The council is reminding residents to recycle wrapping paper that passes the “scrunch test” and to remove ribbons, bows and glitter. Food waste including turkey carcasses can go in the food caddy. The three black bag limit remains in place, with excess bags accepted at Llansamlet and Clyne recycling centres.

Swansea Council says real Christmas trees can be taken to recycling centres or booked for bulky waste collection. Centres will close at 1pm on Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Neath Port Talbot – minimal disruption

Neath Port Talbot Council says most collections remain unchanged.

• Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) rounds move to Saturday 27 December.
• Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) rounds move to Sunday 28 December.
• New Year’s Day (Thursday 1 January) rounds move to Friday 2 January, with Friday rounds on Saturday 3 January.

Pembrokeshire – extra bag allowance and tree collections

Pembrokeshire County Council says it will allow one extra residual waste bag on the first collection after Christmas to help households cope with festive excess.

Kerbside sort containers remain in use:

• Blue sack for cardboard and cards without glitter.
• Blue box for paper and recyclable wrapping paper.
• Red sack for plastics, cartons and tins.
• Green caddy for food waste including turkey bones.
• Green box for glass bottles and jars.

The council says collections will not take place on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. Missed rounds will be picked up two days later.

Residents can book a real Christmas tree collection for £5.60 via My Account or the council’s contact centre, with collections scheduled between 5–16 January 2026. Trees can also be taken to recycling centres free of charge.

Pembrokeshire County Council says Waste and Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, with some sites offering additional opening dates around the holidays.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Council apology after missed Christmas recycling collections
Carmarthenshire Council says sorry after festive recycling rounds were missed.

More recycling news
Catch up on the latest recycling and waste management stories from Swansea Bay News.

Swansea Council rejects black bag cutbacks
Authority pushes back against Welsh Government guidance on reducing black bag collections.

#binDay #CarmarthenshireCouncil #Christmas #christmasBinCollection #christmasRecycling #christmasTreeRecycling #kerbsideCollection #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PembrokeshireCouncil #Recycling #SwanseaCouncil

Noisy Pembroke Dock neighbour hit with Criminal Behaviour Order after court clash

Paul McNally of Laws Street appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on November 19 where he admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice served by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Magistrates heard how McNally repeatedly thumped his ceiling and hurled expletives at the tenant above, causing “significant alarm and distress.” He falsely claimed he was retaliating to noise from the flat upstairs — but council evidence showed the neighbour was simply carrying out everyday tasks like running taps or flushing the toilet.

Evidence caught on noise app

Complaints were logged with the council and backed up by recordings from The NoiseApp and sound monitoring equipment.

Despite being served with a Community Protection Warning and later a formal Community Protection Notice under the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, McNally’s behaviour continued.

The council prosecuted, and magistrates fined him £162, ordered him to pay a £65 victim surcharge, and hit him with £1,000 in costs.

What is a Criminal Behaviour Order?

Definition:
A Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) is a court order designed to stop persistent offenders from causing harassment, alarm or distress.

When it can be imposed:
Only after someone has been convicted of a criminal offence. The court must be satisfied the offender’s behaviour has caused, or is likely to cause, nuisance or distress.

What it does:
A CBO can prohibitrequire

Duration:
Orders can last for a fixed period or indefinitely, depending on the seriousness of the behaviour.

Breaches:
Breaking a CBO is a criminal offence. It can lead to fines or a custodial sentence.

Background:
CBOs replaced Anti‑Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) in England and Wales in 2014 as the main tool to tackle repeat nuisance behaviour.

Criminal Behaviour Order imposed

Magistrates imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) designed to stop further noise and abuse. Any breach will be referred back to court and could result in a custodial sentence.

Cllr Jacob Williams said:

“A Community Protection Notice is a formal legal notice that can be issued by councils to curb this sort of nuisance behaviour, which can have an awful impact on people’s quality of life.

Unfortunately the CPN in this case was not complied with, so the authority was left with no option but to take the matter to court. The result is a conviction, coming at a significant cost to the defendant, which wouldn’t have happened had the CPN been followed.”

What it means for residents

The case highlights how councils can use legal powers to tackle persistent anti‑social behaviour in communities. For neighbours, it means protection from harassment and noise — and for offenders, the risk of fines or even prison if they refuse to comply.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Illegal lean-to shed demolished after council prosecution
A Pembrokeshire shed built against a neighbour’s listed building was demolished after enforcement action.

Two brothers fined £1,000 after ignoring enforcement
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Second home owners sidestep Pembrokeshire council tax premium
Hundreds of property owners legally avoided higher council tax charges under exemption rules.

Pembrokeshire News

Catch up on the latest court reports, council updates, and community stories from across Pembrokeshire.

View all Pembrokeshire stories

#antiSocialBehaviour #antisocialBehaviour #communityProtectionNotice #criminalBehaviourOrders #lawsStreet #noisyNeighbours #pembrokeDock #pembrokeshireCouncil #pembrokeshireCountyCouncil

Council pays tribute to former mayor and disability campaigner, Cllr Jordan Ryan

Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey described the news as a shock and expressed “extreme sorrow” on behalf of the authority.

“Cllr Ryan was a man of values and principles who was extremely proud to represent his constituents,” said Cllr Harvey. “His passionate and thoughtful contributions to Council meetings will be sorely missed by every Member, no matter their political colours. I pass on our deepest condolences to Cllr Ryan’s family and friends.”

A life of service to Fishguard and Pembrokeshire

Cllr Ryan was a former mayor of Fishguard and Goodwick, reflecting his long‑standing commitment to local public service. He joined Pembrokeshire County Council in May 2022, initially elected as a Labour representative before continuing as an unaffiliated councillor.

He also served as Chairman of the Policy and Pre‑decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee for a year, and was widely recognised for his campaigning on disability issues.

Remembered for integrity and dedication

Colleagues said Cllr Ryan’s contributions were marked by integrity and dedication, and that his absence would be felt across the chamber and the wider community.

Messages of condolence have been extended to his family, friends, and constituents.

#cllrJordanRyan #councilTribute #disabilityCampaigner #fishguard #fishguardNorthEast #formerMayor #pembrokeshireCouncil #pembrokeshireCountyCouncil

Two Pembrokeshire takeaways with 1 star hygiene ratings prosecuted for displaying much higher scores

Court told of misleading displays

Seven Spice in Pembroke Dock and USA Fried Chicken in Milford Haven were both found to be misleading customers by showing hygiene ratings of 3, 4 or 5, despite their most recent inspections giving them the lowest possible score above zero.

At Seven Spice, inspectors first visited in November 2024 and found the menu failed to include the required bilingual statement directing customers to the official hygiene rating. A fixed penalty notice was issued but not paid.

When officers returned in January 2025, the business was displaying stickers showing ratings of 4 and 5, even though its official rating was 1. Further penalty notices and letters went unanswered.

At USA Fried Chicken, an inspection in November 2024 found a sticker showing a rating of 3, when the correct rating was 1. Again, a fixed penalty notice was issued but not paid, and letters from the council were ignored.

Fines imposed by magistrates

Both cases were heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on 16 October.

• Arkan Ullah, of Seven Spice, pleaded guilty. He was fined £660, ordered to pay £800 costs and a £264 victim surcharge.
• Kamuran Babahan, of USA Fried Chicken, failed to appear. The case was proved in his absence and he was fined £1,000, with £400 costs and a £400 victim surcharge.

Both were convicted of displaying invalid food hygiene stickers, contrary to the Food Hygiene (Rating) Wales Act 2013.

Council: ‘We will take action’

Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:

“The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is designed to help consumers make informed decisions about where to eat or buy food. An essential part of that is displaying the rating where it is visible so potential customers can see clear information on the hygiene standards of the business.

“Where a business fails to display the correct rating they are committing an offence and we will take action.”

What it means for customers

The council said the prosecutions underline the importance of businesses displaying their official hygiene ratings accurately. Customers are encouraged to check the Food Standards Agency’s online ratings database if they are unsure about a venue’s score.

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Transport Interchange planned for Milford Haven railway station

Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now and am delighted to be able to bring these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right but it’s also a key enabler for dramatically improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.

“As well as more frequent services, we are working hard with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town and this project includes the realignment of the platform to allow the new Hitachi High Speed Services to serve Milford Haven directly.”

The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

The scheme will also work in synergy with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, further encouraging tourism and urban development and links to the pre-existing retail area within the town.

Local Member and Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity both for those visiting the town but more importantly for the residents of the area.

“The associated works with the scheme to enhance safety and parking measures as well as provide a focal point for a public transport interchange with bus services much needed in our town.”

The scheme, if supported by Welsh Government, will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A draft design package was developed and submitted to Network Rail in December 2023 with a revised design ready for resubmission.

Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of the Local Transport Fund Bids Grant application for 2025/26 for the sum of £6million to continue the development and phased delivery of the project.

Capital funding totalling £1.4million over 2025-26 and 2026-27 has been committed by the Cabinet.

Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell said: “It’s fantastic to see changes being made to Milford Haven Train Station. Good public transport and associated facilities are vital to communities in Pembrokeshire. I am pleased to be working alongside the Council and Welsh Government to positively impact Milford Haven.”

(Lead image: Pembrokeshire Council)

#MilfordHaven #MilfordHavenTrainStation #PembrokeshireCouncil #Transport #TransportInterchange

Transport Interchange planned for Milford Haven railway station

Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now and am delighted to be able to bring these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right but it’s also a key enabler for dramatically improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.

“As well as more frequent services, we are working hard with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town and this project includes the realignment of the platform to allow the new Hitachi High Speed Services to serve Milford Haven directly.”

The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

The scheme will also work in synergy with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, further encouraging tourism and urban development and links to the pre-existing retail area within the town.

Local Member and Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity both for those visiting the town but more importantly for the residents of the area.

“The associated works with the scheme to enhance safety and parking measures as well as provide a focal point for a public transport interchange with bus services much needed in our town.”

The scheme, if supported by Welsh Government, will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A draft design package was developed and submitted to Network Rail in December 2023 with a revised design ready for resubmission.

Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of the Local Transport Fund Bids Grant application for 2025/26 for the sum of £6million to continue the development and phased delivery of the project.

Capital funding totalling £1.4million over 2025-26 and 2026-27 has been committed by the Cabinet.

Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell said: “It’s fantastic to see changes being made to Milford Haven Train Station. Good public transport and associated facilities are vital to communities in Pembrokeshire. I am pleased to be working alongside the Council and Welsh Government to positively impact Milford Haven.”

(Lead image: Pembrokeshire Council)

#MilfordHaven #MilfordHavenTrainStation #PembrokeshireCouncil #Transport #TransportInterchange

Transport Interchange planned for Milford Haven railway station

Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now and am delighted to be able to bring these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right but it’s also a key enabler for dramatically improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.

“As well as more frequent services, we are working hard with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town and this project includes the realignment of the platform to allow the new Hitachi High Speed Services to serve Milford Haven directly.”

The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

The scheme will also work in synergy with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, further encouraging tourism and urban development and links to the pre-existing retail area within the town.

Local Member and Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity both for those visiting the town but more importantly for the residents of the area.

“The associated works with the scheme to enhance safety and parking measures as well as provide a focal point for a public transport interchange with bus services much needed in our town.”

The scheme, if supported by Welsh Government, will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A draft design package was developed and submitted to Network Rail in December 2023 with a revised design ready for resubmission.

Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of the Local Transport Fund Bids Grant application for 2025/26 for the sum of £6million to continue the development and phased delivery of the project.

Capital funding totalling £1.4million over 2025-26 and 2026-27 has been committed by the Cabinet.

Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell said: “It’s fantastic to see changes being made to Milford Haven Train Station. Good public transport and associated facilities are vital to communities in Pembrokeshire. I am pleased to be working alongside the Council and Welsh Government to positively impact Milford Haven.”

(Lead image: Pembrokeshire Council)

#MilfordHaven #MilfordHavenTrainStation #PembrokeshireCouncil #Transport #TransportInterchange

Transport Interchange planned for Milford Haven railway station

Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now and am delighted to be able to bring these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right but it’s also a key enabler for dramatically improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.

“As well as more frequent services, we are working hard with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town and this project includes the realignment of the platform to allow the new Hitachi High Speed Services to serve Milford Haven directly.”

The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

The scheme will also work in synergy with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, further encouraging tourism and urban development and links to the pre-existing retail area within the town.

Local Member and Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity both for those visiting the town but more importantly for the residents of the area.

“The associated works with the scheme to enhance safety and parking measures as well as provide a focal point for a public transport interchange with bus services much needed in our town.”

The scheme, if supported by Welsh Government, will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A draft design package was developed and submitted to Network Rail in December 2023 with a revised design ready for resubmission.

Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of the Local Transport Fund Bids Grant application for 2025/26 for the sum of £6million to continue the development and phased delivery of the project.

Capital funding totalling £1.4million over 2025-26 and 2026-27 has been committed by the Cabinet.

Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell said: “It’s fantastic to see changes being made to Milford Haven Train Station. Good public transport and associated facilities are vital to communities in Pembrokeshire. I am pleased to be working alongside the Council and Welsh Government to positively impact Milford Haven.”

(Lead image: Pembrokeshire Council)

#MilfordHaven #MilfordHavenTrainStation #PembrokeshireCouncil #Transport #TransportInterchange