Plans to sever over 200 years of educational history strongly condemned by top Welsh politicians

Published

1 year ago

November 18, 2024

Plans to sever over 200 years of educational history at Lampeter University have prompted strong resistance from the Welsh Assembly’s Presiding Officer (Llywydd) Elin Jones.

Speaking from the University’s campus earlier this week, Elin Jones said the proposal to discontinue all undergraduate education at Lampeter University would have a devastating effect on the town centre.

“This has been a really difficult week for Lampeter as the campus is so important, not just for the education of students, but also for its contribution to the town and its community,” she said.

“The university’s announcement is bringing to an end undergraduate education after over 200 years of delivering it from the Lampeter campus.

“Our first aim is to try and persuade the university to re-think its decision and realise that there is a future for undergraduate education here in Lampeter.

“If this fails, we as a community need to get together to think about the future of this fine campus with its beautiful quad building, the library and the halls of residence

“Lampeter University has been here for a very long time and it’s important that it’s allowed to continue.”.

Elin Jones, who has served as a Member of the Senedd since 1999 before being appointed Llywydd in 2016, grew up on a farm near Lampeter and attended the town’s Comprehensive School.

Her comments have been endorsed by Ceredigion Preseli MP Ben Lake who described the university as ‘a cornerstone’ of the town, stating it now has a duty to explain how it intends to continue higher education in Lampeter.

Last week The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) announced plans to end all undergraduate teaching at its Lampeter campus by September 2025, resulting in up to 30 courses being moved to Carmarthen. It claimed there had been a ‘progressive decline’ in face-to-face teaching with the result that the current situation was not sustainable.

But students have expressed their disappointment at the proposals, with many now considering changing universities.

“It’s not fair to be told that we have to move,” said international development and global politics student, Jamie Fitter. “I think the way the university has dealt with it is reprehensible.”

A petition has now been launched calling for UWTSD and the Welsh Government to ‘protect Lampeter’s legacy and commit to a sustainable future for this historic campus’. At the time of going to press, the change.org petition had gained 3,810 signatures.

“Lampeter is not only Wales’s oldest university institution but a pillar of its educational and cultural history,” states the petition, which was started by John Jennings

“By allowing undergraduate teaching to end, UWTSD would undermine the very essence of Lampeter’s mission, weaken the local economy, and sever its historic role as a centre of learning. The town of Lampeter, the alumni community, and the people of Wales deserve better.”

Lampeter University was founded in 1822, and incorporated by royal charter in 1828, becoming the oldest degree awarding institution in Wales. It was a self-governing college of the University of Wales from 1972 until its merger (under its 1828 charter) with Trinity University College in 2010 to form the University ot Wales Trinity Saint David.

With fewer than 2,000 students on campus, it was often claimed to be one of the smallest public universities in Europe.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

24 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

31 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

44 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.