News

Consultations begin over threatened pool

Published

12 years ago

December 12, 2013

LAST Monday in Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet, a proposal was passed to begin consultations on the future of Narberth swimming pool.

A preliminary date for closure was given as April 1, 2014. Three full time staff and seven part time and casual workers are currently employed at the pool.

The proposal states that: “The availability of capacity at alternative leisure facilities in Tenby and Crymych would enable customers to continue to be supported, albeit at a different location.”.

Tenby pool is eleven miles away from Narberth and Crymych further still at fourteen. County Councillor David Simpson stated that ‘options would need to be explored and urged the local community to begin an action group’ A Local action group currently exists which is administered by local pool user John Sleigh.

Mr Sleigh felt that people in Narberth would be unlikely to use the facilities in Crymych and Tenby due to the distance and cost involved. He also pointed out that a new footpath has just been completed between one of the schools and the pool. A recent online petition recently had 474 supporters asking that Pembrokeshire County Council drop the proposal.

Between April 2012 and April 2013, the facility had 40,648 paid admissions and a further 10,862 free swimming sessions.

9,237 admissions came from local schools and they would be expected to face the cost of hired transport and face a fifty minute round trip to either facility, threatening the viability of swimming lessons.

The Local Development Plan for Narberth (October 2012) has outlined 140+ development plots at two sites within the town, increasing the demand for schooling and local facilities.

Links to the Action Group will be placed on the Herald website. A separate proposal was passed in the same meeting that on April 1, 2014 a new charging structure be introduced increasing the price of an adult swim at the local authorities schools from £2.40 to £3. It was generally felt that an increase of 60 pence was reasonable and would still be substantially less than the £3.80 charged by Carmarthenshire (2013-14) and only 10 pence more than the fee for Ceredigion (2013-14).

Discounts were to be made available through a new loyalty card scheme.

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

7 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

8 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

9 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.