Community

Newport Parrog car park takeover is bid to save toilets

Published

3 months ago

December 18, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a north Pembrokeshire beach-side car park to be given to the local town council to use as a source of funding to keep its closure-threatened public toilet open has been backed by the national park.

Members of the December meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park were recommended to approve the surrender of the existing National Park Authority lease of the 40-vehicle Newport Parrog car park and listed lime kiln to Newport Town Council.

A report for members said the Park acquired an 80-year lease at a “nominal rent” of £268 a year on the site back in 1996.

The report says the continued existence of the lease prevents the Park or anyone else from introducing parking charges, with a special covenant in its conditions.

Adjoining the car park is a public toilet which the county council intends to close in early 2025, unless another party is willing to step forward and assume responsibility for its continuing management and operation, members heard.

“Newport Town Council has stated their willingness to assume that responsibility conditional upon them being able to generate a long-term revenue stream to cover its operating costs. They have identified the introduction of parking charges for the car park as a means of raising that revenue stream.

“It is an unusual step for a local community to advocate for the imposition of car park charges upon itself, although their reasons for doing so in this instance are quite clear, and has already received a mandate of support from within the local community.

“To give effect to that mandate, Newport Town Council need to secure two principal objectives: Long-term control of the subject land: they have already agreed terms with our landlord (The Baroney of Cemmas, Alex Hawksworthy) to acquire his freehold of the subject land and the public toilets. Secure full vacant possession of the subject land by taking a surrender of the Authority’s remaining unexpired lease term thereby allowing them to introduce parking charges in their capacity as the owner-operator of the subject land.”

The report, recommending delegated approval be given to its chief executive to complete the surrender, concluded: “The continuation of the National Park lease represents an unfunded long-term liability for the Authority and also frustrates Newport Town Councils ability to protect and secure the at-risk public toilet facilities.

“The proposal put forward by Newport Town Council is considered to be a creative and practical long-term solution which would see both the freehold of the car park, lime kiln and public toilet facility pass from private control into local public ownership and remain available for public use under the direct control of Newport Town Council.”

Speaking at the meeting, local member Cllr Mike James, who moved approval, said a recent meeting in Newport’s town hall unanimously passed support for the proposal being brought before the national park.

The proposal for a delegated decision was passed by Park members.

Community

PCSOs and pupils join forces for Pembroke Dock litter pick

Published

6 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE Community Support Officers (PCSOs) 8042 and 8020 joined staff at McDonald’s and Year 5 and 6 pupils from Cosheston VC School for a community litter pick around Pembroke Dock.

As part of the school’s ongoing environmental project, the pupils helped collect seven bags of rubbish while keeping a detailed log of the types of litter found.

PCSOs are uniformed civilian members of police staff who work to support regular police officers and engage with the community. Their involvement helped promote positive relationships between local police and young people.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of looking after the local environment and encouraged children to take pride in their community.

Members of the public are reminded to dispose of their waste responsibly and use the bins provided.

Community

Joyce Watson meets apprentices at Haverfordwest transport hub

Published

6 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A VISIT to the site of the new Haverfordwest public transport interchange has highlighted the role of apprentices and skilled workers in delivering the major infrastructure project.

Joyce Watson MS, who represents Mid and West Wales in the Senedd, toured the construction site on Friday (Mar 21), meeting with workers and hearing how the scheme is creating opportunities for local people.

Mrs Watson, who chairs the Senedd cross-party group on construction and co-chairs the cross-party group on apprenticeships, was briefed on progress by Kier Construction’s project manager Dean Williams and Sheila Holmes, engagement adviser for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Speaking following the visit, Mrs Watson said: “The Haverfordwest public transport interchange will transform the town’s transportation infrastructure and boost the local economy.
“With around a year’s work still to go, it’s already offering high-quality job opportunities, and I was delighted to meet the talented apprentices working on-site.”

Among those she met was Matthew Thomas, a local trainee working on the project.
Mrs Watson added: “It was a pleasure to meet Matthew, and I believe he has a great future ahead of him.”

Dean Williams, from Kier Construction, said: “It was great to welcome Joyce Watson MS for a tour of our Haverfordwest public transport interchange project. This scheme for Pembrokeshire County Council will deliver a modern transport hub for the local community, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.”

CITB’s Sheila Holmes added: “We are pleased to be supporting Kier Construction in developing their supply chain for this infrastructure scheme. By doing so, we can invest in local skills, which are vital to the sector and to the regional economy. Projects like this help ensure we meet future skills demands.”

The interchange is part of the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro programme and has so far received nearly £17 million from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund.

Once completed, the new facility will include improved pedestrian and cycle access, a more efficient bus station with seven bays and upgraded passenger facilities, and a modern multi-storey car park.

The scheme is commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council as part of its town centre regeneration strategy.

The visit was organised as part of Open Doors, a national initiative by Build UK that takes visitors behind the scenes at live construction sites to showcase the range of careers in the industry.

Community

Woodland at Tenby school targeted by vandals

Published

22 hours ago

March 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE school’s woodland area has been targeted by vandals in a spate of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

The incident occurred in the woodland behind Ysgol Hafan y Môr on Heywood Lane, Tenby. Dyfed-Powys Police have been informed, and a joint patrol with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has since taken place.

Tracey Davies, from the fire service’s arson reduction team, and PCSO Ffion Thomas visited the site earlier this week to assess the situation and reassure the community.

Posting on the Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth Police Facebook page, they said: “ASB and criminal damage will not be tolerated in this area, and we will be taking positive action regarding this.”

They urged members of the public to report any further incidents to Dyfed-Powys Police using the following contact methods:

🖥️ | https://orlo.uk/KxdYo
📧 | [email protected]
📞 | 101