Pembrokeshire Council and Dyfed Powys Police have moved to reassure residents after an incident at Albany Hotel in Tenby resulted in two arrests last week.

Albany Hotel is being used by the council as temporary accommodation for those facing homelessness in the county.

The council and police have both released statements saying that “this was an isolated incident that was dealt with swiftly”.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Council Cabinet member for Housing Operations, said: “We are extremely grateful to the owner of the Albany Hotel in Tenby for being able to provide accommodation and support for our county’s homeless residents.

“I am concerned with the negative comments made on social media and in the press in relation to the incident and the arrangement the Council has with this business.

“This is a much needed resource in the county where we are facing an unprecedented demand on our homelessness service and an acute shortage of affordable housing. Without the support of a number of B&B proprietors from across the county we would be in a far worse position with many more of our residents facing street homelessness.

“The support provided by the owner of this hotel and staff to those who are facing hard times in losing their homes is invaluable and as a Homeless Service we are satisfied with the management and support being provided.

“We ordinarily do not identify the accommodation we use for homeless placements due to the sensitivities and to maintain confidentiality of those residing there, as well as avoiding any negative media attention. The hotel owner also liaises regularly with immediate neighbours in case there are any matters of concern that they may wish to raise with him.”

Dyfed-Powys Police Sergeant Stuart Wheeler said: “The Local Neighbourhood Policing Team provides a visible presence in the community and we will continue to work closely with Pembrokeshire County Council and The Albany Hotel to address any local concerns.”

(Lead image: Albany Hotel / Facebook)

An order banning visitors to an address in Llanelli for three months has been made by the courts.

Dyfed-Powys Police applied for a closure order to stop anti-social behaviour and disorder at 36 Murray Street.

The force’s Legal Services presented evidence to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court and the notice was granted on Thursday, August 4.

Between September 8, 2021, and June 22,2022, police received more than 60 calls to the address, ranging from theft and anti-social behaviour to assaults and robberies.

For the next three months anyone other than the people named by the courts are banned from visiting the property.

PC Aled Davies said: “It is a fairly rare move for a closure notice to be issued on a residential property. It was given careful consideration and deemed the most appropriate action to take to reduce the anti-social behaviour that was happening there and improve the quality of life for other residents.

“Only the tenants and a few other named people are permitted to be at the address. They are aware of the closure order.

“Anyone else seen visiting the property will be in contravention of the order and faces a fine, prison or both.

“To report sightings of anyone else visiting the address call police on 101 immediately.”

Dyfed-Powys Police say their Legal Services have successfully secured a number of closure orders throughout the force area over recent years, and add that the force also provides assistance and support where closure orders are sought by local authorities within the force area.

A closure order is a tool under the Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime and Policing Act 2014 that gives police the ability to close a property to provide quick relief from the anti-social behaviour that has been occurring there.

Closures can be made for 48 hours without needing to go to court for permission. When applied for through the courts, closure orders can be for up to three months.

(Lead image: Google Maps)

The family of a ‘loving son’ who died in a single-vehicle collision in Pembrokeshire on Friday evening (29 July) have paid tribute to him.

Thomas (Tom) Canton, aged 22, from Nolton Haven, sadly died following the collision involving his black VW Golf on the A487 between Solva and Newgale, at about 4.20pm.

He leaves his parents, brothers and grandparents.

The family has described Thomas as a loving son, brother and grandson who was a kind, thoughtful, polite, extremely intelligent and strong-willed young man that ensured he would take time out to ask how your day was.

“He was an outgoing, adventurous boy who loved his skateboarding and had a real zest for life,” they said.

“He always had an answer for everything and was very quick witted, as well as hard working.

“Tom will be deeply missed by us as a family, the community and by his friends.”

The road was closed for a number of hours and reopened at around 11.20pm.

Dyfed-Powys Police is now investigating the circumstances around the collision and is appealing for witnesses, including anyone who may have dashcam footage of the collision, as well as the moments before it, to get in touch.

Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to contact Sgt Paul Owen-Williams at Dyfed-Powys Police.