Community
‘Anger and fear’ over delayed flood warnings

SENEDD Members warned Wales failed to learn lessons from devastating floods in 2020, with serious shortcomings repeated as Storm Bert wrought havoc over the weekend.
Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymru’s shadow climate change secretary, told the Senedd that hundreds of homes were again hit by flooding, leaving communities in crisis.
She said: “Alongside feelings of anger and fear, there is one of disbelief and horror that this could happen again because so many of the streets and houses affected by this flood were devastated by Storm Dennis just four years ago.
“We were assured then that lessons would be learned but here we are hearing the same accounts of delayed flood warnings, inadequate preparation and preventable damage.”
Ms Jewell, who represents South Wales East, raised concerns about some people receiving flood warnings after water was already in their homes.
“Something surely has gone seriously wrong,” she said. “Flood defences and warning systems clearly didn’t work well enough.”
The Plaid Cymru group’s deputy leader suggested the coaltip slipping in Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent, should send shockwaves to Westminster about the funding needed to address risks.
She said: “We no longer have the luxury of waiting for Westminster to find its conscience with these tips, our communities cannot stand another near miss.”
Ms Jewell compared the £25m announced for coaltip safety in last month’s UK budget with the estimated £20m cost of clearing one tip alone at Tylorstown, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Janet Finch-Saunders, the Conservatives’ shadow climate change secretary, said 80% of the rain normally expected for the whole of November fell in only 48 hours.
Ms Finch-Saunders reiterated her party’s calls for a dedicated flood agency and a comprehensive, independent review of flood management policies in Wales.
The Aberconwy Senedd member warned existing council-led reviews take months to come to fruition as she pointed to “concerning” parallels with Storm Dennis.
Joel James, a fellow Tory, said: “It is now clear the response from the Welsh Government after Storm Dennis was indeed inadequate and there’s been very little learnt.”
Labour’s Mick Antoniw said flooding had a devastating impact in his Pontypridd constituency as he welcomed emergency funding for households and called for support for businesses.
And Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan, who represents South Wales Central, urged ministers to provide funding for floodgates, insurance for businesses, and a national flood forum.
In a statement on November 26, Huw Irranca-Davies told the Senedd that Storm Bert shows the reality of what more frequent extreme weather will mean for communities.
Wales’ climate change secretary said the intensity exceeded Storm Dennis, with the River Taff in the centre of Pontypridd rising by 30cm every 15 minutes at the height of the deluge.
He said at least 433 properties were flooded, including 125 in RCT, 90 in Merthyr Tydfil, 50 in Monmouth, 50 in Caerphilly and 15 in Torfaen, with details of the impact still emerging.
Mr Irranca-Davies argued the Welsh Government learned significantly in the aftermath of Storm Dennis and made a myriad of investments.
Sympathising with families affected by the “frightening” landslip in Cwmtillery, he raised “crucial” forthcoming legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of disused tips.
He urged Senedd Members to encourage constituents affected by flooding and facing a financial crisis to seek help from the Welsh Government’s discretionary assistance fund.
Mr Irranca-Davies confirmed grants of between £500 to £1,000 will be available for people affected depending on whether households are insured.
Dŵr Cymru customers affected by water problems in RCT will be offered £150, he said, with businesses getting £300 and up to £2,500 for loss of goods or profits beyond this.
Mr Irranca-Davies stated the Welsh Government has invested nearly £300m in flood risk management since 2021, benefiting more than 14,000 properties.
He said: “I recognise this is going to be of little comfort to people whose homes and businesses were impacted over this weekend.
“But that impact is exactly why this investment continues to be so important.”
Community
Is enough being done to tackle fly-grazing?

A PEMBROKESHIRE road was closed after horses were running loose during rush hour yesterday (Wednesday, February 12), raising further concerns over the ongoing problem of fly-grazing in the county.
The incident occurred on the A477 near Nash Fingerpost junction at 8:50am. The road was shut while the horses were removed.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of two horses loose on the A477 near to Nash Fingerpost junction at around 8:50am yesterday (February 12). The horses were safely moved from the road.”
This latest disruption comes as Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police continue their efforts to tackle the growing problem of horses being left on public land and highways. Known as fly-grazing, the issue has been causing increasing safety concerns and public disruption across the county.
Authorities launched a joint initiative over the Christmas period, aiming to combat the issue through a coordinated operational effort. However, with roads still being closed due to roaming horses, many are questioning whether enough is being done to address the problem effectively.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of managing fly-grazing incidents and ensuring public safety.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about fly-grazing by contacting [email protected] or calling 01437 764551.
Community
Port’s support for library already ‘many hundreds of thousands of pounds’

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed that it is providing “significant financial support” to Milford Haven Library, with its total contribution over the lifetime of Pembrokeshire County Council’s lease agreement until 2038 amounting to “many hundreds of thousands of pounds.”
The statement follows public frustration over secrecy surrounding the rent paid by PCC, with officials previously refusing to disclose the figure. Pembrokeshire County Council has now confirmed that the rent stands at £1,921 per month, or £23,052 per year, which accounts for 17.6% of the library’s total running costs.
At a Milford Haven Town Council meeting last week, PCC’s Head of Cultural Services, Mike Cavanagh, stated that he had been asked by the Port not to disclose the rental figure, leading to accusations of a lack of transparency over public spending on a statutory service.
Port responds to criticism

In response to the controversy, Tom Sawyer, chief executive at the Port of Milford Haven, told The Herald: “We have always recognised the significant social value generated by the Library in Milford Haven. It is a true community hub providing vital services and opportunities for people of all ages.”
Sawyer confirmed that the Port had committed to financial support long before PCC’s recent cost-cutting review, stating: “Prior to this public consultation, we had already committed to provide significant financial support to the Library service which, over the lifetime of Pembrokeshire County Council’s lease agreement up to 2038, amounts to many hundreds of thousands of pounds.”
While the Port remains engaged in discussions with PCC and Milford Haven Town Council, Sawyer stressed the broader role of the Port in community funding.
“Each year we set aside around 10% of our annual profits to support organisations, either through direct funding or partnership working, that are delivering three core outcomes: a safe and enjoyable Waterway; a sustainable and resilient environment; and a vibrant and prosperous community. We are proud that due to the Port of Milford Haven’s financial sustainability we will provide almost half a million pounds of community benefit during 2025.”
Despite this, some councillors remain concerned about the decision to charge PCC rent for a statutory service, particularly given the Port’s obligations as a Trust Port to benefit the local community.
Council defends library consultation process

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Library Service, along with other Council services, has been asked to put forward proposals to reduce costs and/or increase income.”
PCC explained that its 2024 Library Needs Assessment had shown that while respondents opposed outright library closures, there was support for reducing premises costs and increasing volunteer involvement.
“Over the last 16 years, Milford Haven residents have enjoyed high-quality library provision in the town at Cedar Court, during which time the Port of Milford Haven has been extremely supportive, and we are grateful for their ongoing support.”
The spokesperson further revealed that the Port has been providing a “markedly discounted” rental rate for the library, stating:
“Recognising the important community role the library plays, the Port of Milford Haven has discounted the rental amount to £1,921 per month, which is significantly lower than its demonstrable commercial value. The rent is currently 17.6% of total running costs.”
Library could still be moved
Despite confirming the discounted rent, PCC has reiterated that it is considering relocating the library to a smaller or cheaper site to ensure its long-term viability. This includes a proposal to move the library to the Meads Leisure Centre, as well as the possibility of transitioning to a Community Managed Partnership.
“The County Council hopes to be able to sustain this high-quality service during these financially challenging times and solutions are currently being sought through the consultation process and ongoing discussions with interested parties.”
PCC has urged Milford Haven Library users and local residents to participate in the consultation, which is open until Monday, February 17.
The consultation can be accessed at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/proposed-changes-to-the-library-service.
Councillors discuss library future at town council meeting

The Milford Haven Town Council discussed the future of the library at their full council meeting on Monday, February 10. During the meeting, councillors debated the potential relocation of the library and the request for the town council to contribute £13,000 towards its running costs.

Councillor Lee Bridges suggested an alternative location, proposing that the library could be moved to the old Town Hall, which is owned by accountant Bruce Evens. He argued that a more central location could provide a better long-term solution.
Meanwhile, Councillor Colin Sharp raised concerns that the Port, as a Trust Port with a duty to benefit the community, should have done more to support the library’s future.
“Have you spoken to the landlord? It’s going to look like very bad press for that company, which is allegedly a community organisation, if the library can no longer operate.”
However, Councillor Nicola Harteveld defended the Port’s position. She said: “The Port are a business and can’t be expected to give the library to the town for free, as they already do a lot for the town.”
The council has not yet made a decision on providing funding, but a final vote on whether Milford Haven Town Council will contribute £13,000 to the library is scheduled for their next meeting on February 24.
What happens next?
- Milford Haven Town Council will vote on February 24 on whether to contribute £13,000 to help fund the library for another year.
- The public consultation closes on February 17, after which PCC will review feedback before making a final decision.
The future of Milford Haven Library remains uncertain, with councillors, residents, and campaigners continuing to push for clarity and a long-term solution.
This is a developing story. The Herald will provide further updates as discussions continue.
Community
Haverfordwest road remains closed after water main burst

A MAJOR road in Haverfordwest will remain closed after a water main burst today (Thursday, Feb 13).
The incident occurred on Shipman’s Lane, prompting an emergency road closure.
Welsh Water confirmed that the road is expected to reopen tomorrow (Feb 14).
A spokesperson said: “Customer supplies were not affected during the work to repair the burst main at Shipman’s Lane in Haverfordwest.
“Due to the location of the burst, a road closure was necessary, and we hope to reopen the road by tomorrow.”
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