Community

Future of Pembrokeshire recycling centres set to be decided

Published

2 weeks ago

November 28, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

ST DAVID’ recycling centre could close or centres across the county see a reduction in hours to “share the pain” of a £70,000 cost reduction in a decision to be made by senior Pembrokeshire councillors next week.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on December 2, are to consider a range of money-saving options for the provision of recycling centres in the county, against a backdrop of a need to save £70,000 from the service, which includes closing the St Davids centre.

Pembrokeshire currently operates six WRCs across the County; Crane Cross, Hermon, Manorowen, St David’s, Waterloo and Winsel, one of the highest levels of provision in Wales.

The council’s medium term financial plan identifies “a ‘most likely’ projected funding gap of £84.6m over the period 2024-25 to 2027-28,” with the council needing to deliver at least £70,000 of savings from the waste and recycling budget

Four options will be presented to Cabinet: no change, with the £70,000 coming from other areas of the service; the closure of St Davids netting the £70,000; its closure along with reductions in the amount of days at other centres to save £110,000; the final option being a reduction in the number of days all were open, but keeping St Davids running, saving the £70,000.

All four options were considered by the Policy and Pre-Decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee on November 12, where it was “acknowledged that the status quo could not continue and a requirement for change was accepted,” the committee favouring the fourth option, described as “sharing the pain,” which is being recommended to Cabinet.

Members at the November meeting heard many objections to the closure of St Davids had been received, with the city council “unanimously” opposed to it.

Nearby local county councillor, Cllr Mark Carter of Solva said he had never seen as many responses to an issue in his seven-and-a-half years as a councillor, proposing the fourth option, later described as “a sharing of pain across all sites” be submitted to Cabinet, which was backed by fellow members.

The report to Cabinet adds: “It was outlined to the committee that, for this option to be recommended, there is also a Capital Investment requirement of £775,000 to undertake the required compliance and infrastructure works across the WRC network in Pembrokeshire.”

Cabinet members are recommended that option one is “not an option which can be selected as this does not provide a service in line with the budgetary requirements,” with the other three options, which all meet the £70,000 savings target on the table for decision next week.

Community

Leisure centres open until 9:00pm to support those affected by Storm Darragh

Published

6 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Leisure Centres are stepping in to provide essential services for those left without electricity or utilities following Storm Darragh. All centres, except Fishguard, will remain open until 9:00pm on Sunday, December 8, offering warm spaces and more to residents in need.

Facilities available include:

Warm spaces with free hot drinks.
Charging stations for electric devices.
Hot water, with visitors encouraged to bring flasks for filling.
Shower facilities for public use.

Locations and availability Leisure centres in the following areas will remain open:

Crymych
Haverfordwest
Milford Haven
Pembroke
St Davids
Tenby

Fishguard Leisure Centre remains closed due to storm damage. As an alternative, Letterston Memorial Hall will offer limited facilities until 9:00pm.

Normal service resumes tomorrow

From Monday, December 9, all centres will resume their usual opening hours, with the exception of Fishguard, which will remain closed until repairs are completed.

For further updates, visit the Pembrokeshire Leisure website.

(Cover image: Martin Cavaney)

Community

Police advise to check on any vulnerable neighbours and family without power

Published

9 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE is facing widespread power outages tonight as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc across the region, leaving approximately 7,000 customers without electricity.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued an urgent appeal for assistance, encouraging communities to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, if weather conditions allow.

The police have taken the unusual step of asking those in immediate need due to the power outages to contact them directly via 101 or through their social media channels.

In a statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are aware there are significant numbers of people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys without power. We are asking anyone requiring urgent support to reach out to us. Your welfare is our priority.”

A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of Mid and West Wales, with gusts of wind and heavy rain complicating recovery efforts.

Local authorities are working to address storm damage, including fallen trees and debris blocking roads. Residents are urged to report power cuts by calling 105 and fallen trees through their local council contacts:

Pembrokeshire County Council: 0345 6015522
Carmarthenshire County Council: via their website
Ceredigion County Council: via their website

For updates on travel, weather, and flooding, the following resources are recommended:

Travel: Traffic Wales North & Mid / South
Weather: Met Office
Flood alerts: Natural Resources Wales at 0345 988 1188

As the storm continues, authorities are urging the public to use caution, stay indoors where possible, and only travel if absolutely necessary.

For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999. For less urgent health concerns, NHS Wales advises using the 111 Wales online symptom checker.

Stay tuned to The Herald for further updates as the situation unfolds.

Community

Councillor visits fire station for electric blanket safety event

Published

9 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CASTLE WARD County Councillor Thomas Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station on Thursday (Dec 4) to witness a vital safety initiative in action. The fire service hosted a free electric blanket testing event for residents, providing advice on fire protection and prevention.

The initiative aimed to highlight potential fire hazards posed by faulty electric blankets, helping ensure residents stay safe during the colder months. Fire officers also educated attendees on other safety measures, including the importance of carbon monoxide detectors to guard against the dangers of the “silent killer.”

Councillor Tudor described the event as an eye-opening experience, praising the fire service’s commitment to promoting safety and raising awareness within the community.

For those who missed the event, fire safety tips and advice on carbon monoxide monitoring are available on the fire service’s website and through local outreach programs.