News

Narberth School to be demolished

Published

9 years ago

January 10, 2017

THE FORMER Narberth School is set to be demolished following a decision made by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet yesterday (Jan 9).

The building was described as ‘shoddy’ and ‘awful’ by the council Leader and it was suggested that a clean site could be more attractive to future developers.

Cabinet members also agreed that the demolition of the site should be completed by March 31.

Once demolished, the site would then be used as a temporary car park.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “This redevelopment opportunity has now passed with the selected developer and that arrangement has now been ended by mutual agreement.

“In terms of the old Narberth School, the site as you will recognise is a prominent site in the town and the site is adjacent to the main car park.

“Time has moved on somewhat from when this was first considered and it has been a very long running saga and economic conditions have changed considerably from the first time this was considered and perhaps we need to re-evaluate what our expectations are of this site and what it can deliver.

“I think one of the important aspects with the loss of this development; it’s not just about a commercial opportunity it is the loss of a significant number of affordable homes which is something that Narberth desperately needs.”

Cllr Keith Lewis added: “This is a very difficult situation in terms of development of a retail property at the moment and one thing that I’ve learnt is that even if were to entice a prime retailer there is an expectation because of the level of demand and supply within the retail area that leaves these retailers, almost as a rule, expecting that their investment is de-risked, whereby they expect local authorities and developers to make a significant contribution for their set-up costs.”

He also said that a leisure based development could be considered for the site and asked if the demolition of the site could also be added to the recommendations.

Cllr Elwyn Morse was concerned that the demolition could impact on any offers coming in and that some developers may wish to take the site on as it as.

Cllr Adams felt that a clean site would be better and that the building doesn’t add anything in terms of attractiveness of the site.

Director of Development Dr Stephen Jones said: “It is fair to recognise that it has some sensitivity amongst the local community. There is a group of individuals who went to the school who are very passionate about retaining the façade as part of any development. A cleaner site is obviously easier in terms of encouraging development but I think it is fair to recognise there will be some opposition to the demolition when that happens.”

Cabinet voted unanimously to approve the demolition of the building by the end of March.

Crime

Fence posts thrown into field damage farming equipment

Published

5 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information after fence posts were removed and thrown into a field between Croesgoch and Llanrhian.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the alleged criminal damage happened sometime between Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3.

The posts, which were next to woodland between the two villages, were removed from the ground and thrown into a nearby field.

They later became lodged in farming equipment, causing significant damage.

Police said the area is only accessible via a footpath.

Anyone with information 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*366788.

News

Claire Archibald vows to ‘stand up for rural Wales’ after Senedd election victory

Published

6 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New MS says every constituent enquiry will be taken seriously as she opens doors to public

NEWLY elected Senedd Member Claire Archibald has pledged to be “available to all constituents” across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion after formally taking up her role representing the region.

Archibald, who was elected earlier this month, said she was “deeply grateful” to everyone who had placed their trust in her and promised to work hard on behalf of communities across west Wales.

In a statement issued following her election, the new MS said she intended to keep her offices open and accessible, with a focus on helping residents with day-to-day concerns.

Claire Archibald said: “I am honoured to have been selected as a representative for Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me.

“I want to be available to all constituents who need my support. My offices will be open, and every enquiry will be taken seriously. I will do my very best to help every single person here in our beautiful corner of Wales.”

Archibald said she entered politics because she believed Wales was “heading in the wrong direction” and wanted to help protect communities, family values and frontline services.

She added: “Above all, I want to make sure Cardiff Bay understands that rural communities matter too.”

Her comments are likely to resonate with many voters in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, where issues including healthcare access, farming pressures, transport links and cost-of-living concerns featured heavily during the Senedd election campaign.

Archibald joins the new intake of representatives following the first election held under Wales’ expanded Senedd system, with Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion now represented under the larger multi-member constituency model.

Taking office: Claire Archibald MS after being selected to represent Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion in the Senedd (Pic: Supplied).

Local Government

Pembrokeshire County Council welcomes new chairman

Published

8 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CLLR DELME HARRIES has been elected chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council for the coming municipal year.

Cllr Harries, who was elected in 2022 to represent the Bro Gwaun ward, is a member of the Independent Group.

He has worked for the NFU for many years and has extensive experience in agriculture, governance and community leadership.

Within the council, he has held several key roles, including chairman of the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He is also the council’s Members’ Champion for the Welsh Language and for Children and Young People.

Cllr Harries is deeply involved in education and youth development. He serves as a local authority governor at Ysgol Ger y Llan and Ysgol Casmael a Llychllwydog, and is club leader of Llysyfran Young Farmers Club.

He also chairs the POINT Youth Project in Fishguard, where he is a trustee.

Young Farmers background

Cllr Harries has held numerous senior leadership roles within the Young Farmers’ movement at county, national and international level.

These include chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs from 2019 to 2024, chair of Wales Young Farmers Clubs, chair of European Young Farmers, and chair of Pembrokeshire YFC.

In recognition of his contribution, he has been awarded honorary life memberships and vice-presidencies within Young Farmers organisations at county, national and UK level.

He is also a director and trustee of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.

Upon taking the chains, Cllr Harries thanked outgoing chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen.

He said: “I am truly humbled and honoured to have your support in appointing me as Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council for the coming year.

“When I was elected to represent the Bro Gwaun ward in 2022, this role was certainly not on my list of expectations. To now stand before you as your Chair is something I feel deeply privileged to do, and I am extremely grateful for the confidence you have placed in me to serve as the civic leader of this authority.

“I am particularly proud to serve as Chair in a year when Pembrokeshire will welcome the National Eisteddfod. This is a moment of huge significance for our county, and I hope we will all embrace this wonderful event, which promises to be one of the very best.

“I look forward to seeing many of you in Llantood this August as we celebrate our language, culture and heritage together.”

Cllr Nick Neumann was elected vice-chairman for the coming year. He was nominated by Cllr Di Clements and seconded by Cllr Mark Carter.

Caption:

New chairman: Cllr Delme Harries with new vice-chairman Cllr Nick Neumann, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed Meurig Raymond, High Sheriff of Dyfed Andrew Phillips, Presiding Member Cllr Simon Hancock and outgoing chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen.