Community

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

Published

10 months ago

January 8, 2025

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

Major accessibility upgrades coming to Tenby Station

Published

4 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

There will be the provision of step-free access to both platforms for the first time

PASSENGERS using the popular West Wales station are set to enjoy easier, more accessible journeys thanks to Network Rail’s upcoming upgrades.

Supported by the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, and the Welsh Government, the project will see the construction of a brand-new fully accessible footbridge complete with lifts.

Once complete, the upgrades will make a real difference for disabled people, parents with pushchairs, and those carrying luggage in the busy town – helping to make rail travel more inclusive and convenient. The investment also supports wider goals to encourage public transport use and reduce carbon emissions across the region.

Network Rail’s contractor, AmcoGiffen, will begin setting up the site compound in December 2025. This will include fencing off an area of the station car park near the air cadet huts, resulting in a temporary reduction in parking spaces.

“We’re delighted to be improving accessibility at Tenby Station, ensuring that all passengers can travel with confidence and independence,” said Helen Hodgson, Senior Sponsor, Network Rail Wales and Borders route.

“These upgrades will make a real difference for everyone using the station and reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable railway for the communities we serve.”

Most work will take place during the day, though some overnight activity will be required while the railway is closed, for safety reasons. The station will remain open to passengers while work takes place. Planned working hours are as follows:

Daytime: 7:30am to 6:00pm
Overnight: 10:00pm to 6:00am

Work will continue throughout 2026, with the new facilities expected to open by Christmas 2026.

Community engagement event

Network Rail will host a public drop-in event for anyone wishing to learn more about the plans on Wednesday 19 November, between 3:00pm and 7:00pm, at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Tenby (SA70 8AP). Members of the project and contractor teams will be available to answer questions and discuss the planned improvements.

Community

Local Legends project celebrates modern Wales — including story rooted in Milford

Published

5 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Digital series voiced by Jonny Owen aims to reconnect communities with the Wales they recognise

A NEW digital storytelling project launched by Welsh broadband company Ogi is shining a spotlight on the real stories of modern Wales — including one rooted in Milford Haven — after new research revealed nearly half of people in Wales feel misrepresented on screen.

Broadcaster and filmmaker Jonny Owen has voiced the first chapter of “Local Legends”, a collection of short films capturing community spirit, humour and resilience across the nation. The series was developed in response to Ogi’s survey which found that forty-five per cent of people in Wales feel disconnected from how Welsh identity is portrayed in TV and film, with two-thirds saying the version of Wales they recognise is “invisible”.

Three stories chosen

Earlier this year, people across Wales were invited to submit their own real-life stories. From these, three tales have been selected and brought to life on film:

A Mountain Comeback – Cwmaman
The story of Mike from Cwmaman, who believed his hiking days were behind him after being diagnosed with MS. A community effort helped him achieve something he never expected — a remarkable ascent of Pen y Fan.

Teamwork on Tour – Rhymney
A chaotic rugby tour in the former Czechoslovakia turned into a triumph of pure teamwork after a mechanical problem with a bus forced the squad to improvise and pull together.

Lifting a Nation – Milford Haven
An inspiring incident from Milford Haven that sparked an unexpected journey of strength, determination and community pride — and went on to demonstrate Welsh grit on the world stage.

Owen said the aim of the project was simple: to show Wales as it is lived every day, not as it is often portrayed.
“These stories are funny, moving and completely real,” he said. “They show Wales today — communities coming together, people finding their place, and that brilliant mix of pride and humour we do so well.”

Reconnecting Wales with itself

Ogi says the project is part of its mission to reflect the communities it serves through its broadband rollout across Wales.

Sarah Vining, Brand Marketing Director at Ogi, said: “Local Legends shines a light on the everyday moments that make Wales extraordinary. It’s about connection — both online and off — and celebrating the voices that make this country what it is.”

The first films are now available to watch at ogi.wales/local-legends, and the public is being invited to submit further stories as the collection grows during 2025.

Community

Flood alerts issued across West Wales with more severe weather on the way

Published

6 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued 20 flood alerts across the country as forecasters warn that conditions are set to deteriorate heading into the weekend.

A 24-hour yellow weather warning for heavy and persistent rain has been issued by the Met Office, taking effect from 6am on Friday, 14 November, until 6am on Saturday, 15 November. The warning covers much of Wales, with South Wales expected to bear the brunt of the downpours, although disruption and flooding are also likely elsewhere.

NRW has warned that the wet weather could have a “significant impact” on parts of the country and is urging residents to remain alert and take action to protect themselves and their property.

Alun Attwood, Duty Tactical Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “The yellow rain warning in place from the early hours of Friday and into Saturday could lead to significant impacts across Wales. With rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see flood alerts and warnings issued.

“We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now. You can check if you live in an area at risk of flooding on our website and sign up for our free flood warning service.

“We do not provide flood warnings for flooding from surface water, so it’s important for everyone to know their flood risk.

“If there is flooding we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. We want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and do not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don’t know what lies beneath.

“Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit our website for the latest information on flood warnings, and find practical advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.”

At present, 20 flood alerts are in force across Wales, meaning flooding is possible in the following areas: