Community
The future of much-loved Memorial Pool in Cardigan remains uncertain

THE FUTURE of Cardigan’s well-used and much-loved Memorial Pool remains uncertain, with Ceredigion County Council unable to guarantee its inclusion in the proposed new wellbeing centre earmarked for the same site.
The pool, which served the community for over four decades, closed in March last year despite widespread local fundraising efforts. Trustees cited soaring energy costs, falling income, and substantial maintenance and repair expenses as reasons for its closure.
Since then, children have been forced to travel to Newcastle Emlyn, Crymych, or Llandysul for swimming lessons, while adults who relied on the hydrotherapy pool to manage arthritis and other chronic conditions have seen their health deteriorate.
The closure has also dealt a blow to Cardigan Swimming Club, which previously had 50 junior members, and Poppit Sands Surf Lifesaving Club, whose winter training depended on the pool. Concerns are mounting that the lack of local swimming facilities will prevent children from reaching the standards needed for sea-based training, undermining water safety in a coastal town known for its busy beaches.
Residents have taken to social media to express their anger and disappointment at the council’s inaction. One resident wrote: “How can a coastal town like Cardigan not have a swimming pool? Teaching children to swim is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The council needs to wake up and prioritise our safety.”
Another frustrated parent said: “My son used to swim at the Memorial Pool every week. Now we’re travelling an hour for lessons. It’s exhausting and expensive. Why are families being left to pick up the pieces?”
Local campaigner Bethan Jones added: “The council’s lack of clarity is deeply worrying. We’ve heard nothing but vague promises and silence. The wellbeing centre sounds great, but it’s meaningless if a pool isn’t included.”
The council recently announced plans to develop a new wellbeing centre on the pool site, chosen over three other potential locations. The facility is set to accommodate Hywel Dda University Health Board services and other community health provisions. However, it remains unclear whether a swimming pool will form part of the plans.
A council spokesperson said: “The business case for the wellbeing centre is currently being developed. This work will identify the services that could be delivered at the centre and the facility mix required to accommodate them. At present, no decision has been made on what will and won’t be included.”
Despite repeated calls from the community for clarity, the council added that it is “unable to comment further at this time.”
With so much at stake for the health, safety, and wellbeing of local residents, the future of Cardigan’s much-missed Memorial Pool hangs in the balance. For now, the voices of concerned residents continue to grow louder, demanding answers and action from those in charge.
Exactly two years ago, The Memorial Swimming Pool and Hall have received a Capital Grant to undertake much needed renovation work.
The Sport Wales Capital Grant of £207,000 from Welsh Government was secured by Ceredigion County Council to fund essential capital works at Cardigan Memorial Swimming Pool and Hall.
The grant enabled the Swimming Pool to upgrade its Pool Plant Equipment and Air Handling Unit, insulate the roof above the toddler pool and purchase new Pool covers.
Matt Newland, Chairman of Cardigan Memorial Swimming Pool and Hall Trustees, said at the time: “The swimming pool and hall trustees are delighted to announce that we have received a grant from Sports Wales to carry out much needed works to the pool to enable it to continue running. The trustees would like to thank Ceredigion County Council for their assistance and support. Cardigan Swimming pool and hall is run by the trustees committee for the benefit of the community. It is an essential resource and this grant will help secure our future.”
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.”
(Image: File)
Community
Christmas council tax amnesty considered in Pembrokeshire

WHILE the bleak February winds blow across the land ahead of hopefully better weather in Spring, senior Pembrokeshire councillors discussed a Christmas festive cheer call earlier this week.
A Notice of Motion by Independent group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, before the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet asked: “That PCC do not issue any summonses for appearance at magistrates court for non-payment of council tax during the month of December.”
It added: “At a Corporate O&S meeting on November 14 [2024] it was disclosed that since April 2024 PCC have sent out 14,000 reminder letters with regards to council tax (late payment) and issued 4,000 summonses for non-payment of council tax, which clearly evidences the financial pressure many Pembrokeshire residents currently face.
“December is for many families a festive month and although the debt does not go away the avoidance of any prosecutions during the month of December in the lead up to the festive holiday will indicate some empathy by PCC towards its residents under most financial pressure.”
A report for Cabinet members said the court issues the council with four weekly hearing dates approximately six months in advance, and Revenue Services does not hold council tax liability order court hearings in December as the pre-allocated dates would mean the hearing could fall close to Christmas Day.
It added that, to meet regulatory timescales, summonses are issued in late November and early December to ensure all documents are correctly served ready for a court hearing in January.
Members were recommended to retain the current practice to issue summonses in November/early December for the court hearing in January.
The report said, as of October 1 of last year, the council had council tax arrears of £7.512m, an improvement from the £8.384m at March 31, with a risk that not issuing any December summonses “would lead to a delay in the recovery of council tax arrears and a subsequent increase in council tax arrears”.
At the February Cabinet meeting, members heard Cllr Murphy was happy to either accept the recommendation or withdraw his motion having received the additional information.
Members agreed to support the recommendation.
Cllr Murphy is no stranger to festive cheer calls; in 2023 asking for the council to overturn a “mean-spirited” decision to end the free collection of trees in Pembrokeshire after Christmas.
That 2023 ‘Christmas tree call-in’ motion, supported by councillors Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Alan Dennison, Elwyn Morse, Michael James and Iwan Ward, was defeated by nine votes to four.
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