A serious grip needs to be taken hold of ongoing concerns over horses running loose across Pembrokeshire [which some authorities would like to refer to as fly-grazing] - amidst criticism aimed at the police that officers are ‘too scared’ to tackle those owners responsible, and ‘disnterested’ council officers just happy to pass the buck.

Barely a week goes by where local community groups on Facebook aren’t besieged by posts from concerned locals sharing images of such loose horses roaming and running around public areas, endangering motorists and causing havoc on people’s private properties.

Pembrokeshire County Council claimed back in December that it was ‘teaming up’ with Dyfed-Powys Police in a ‘bid to tackle’ this growing problem.

“Agencies will work operationally in a collaborative effort to alleviate the issue,” said a spokesperson for PCC.

“This joint approach is in response to community concerns and part of a wider initiative that will enable partner agencies to effectively address with the issue.”

However, one person who had to tackle the issue themselves personally on land at St Daniels Hill took to social media last week to call out the authorities on this, stating: “Phoned the police today only to be told it was a council matter...so phoned County Hall to be told that it’s nothing to do with them, it’s a police matter.

“Phoned the police back and was told I was taking up valuable police time as it had already been reported!

“This is no joke. It’s only a matter of time before there’s a serious accident. Too late then to point the finger.”

Cllr Jonathan Grimes
Cllr Grimes said: “I’ve had quite a lot of stick over this, I’m trying to represent local residents and yet I’m getting this backlash including threats.” (Pic supplied)

At least one councillor had the courage to get their hands dirty on this matter [unlike quite a few ‘people pleasing’ members that represent Pembrokeshire Council] despite it leading to threats ‘threats and intimidation’ towards Pembroke Monkton county councillor Cllr Jonathan Grimes, who remarked: “I’m trying to represent my residents as best I can but it’s extremely frustrating; the police are frustrated, they need the council to do something before they can enforce it.”

Pembrokeshire Council and and Dyfed-Powys Police seem to be little more than a home to ‘slow horses’ of late.