Peaceful protest calls for ceasefire and highlights local arms links

CARDIGAN residents came together on Saturday (July 5) for a peaceful demonstration outside the Guildhall, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Protesters held placards reading “Ceasefire Now”, “Free Palestine”, and “Stop Bombing Gaza”, while waving Palestinian flags. The rally was one of a series of similar events held across Wales and the UK in recent weeks, including in Aberystwyth, Swansea, Cardiff and Bangor.

Campaigners also handed out leaflets raising concerns about QinetiQ, the weapons technology company that operates the MOD-Aberporth site at Parcllyn, near Cardigan. The leaflet claims QinetiQ is involved in the testing and training of drones and missile systems used in conflict zones.

As part of the protest, demonstrators promoted a forthcoming public meeting organised by the group West Wales Against Arms. The meeting is due to take place at 7:00pm on Monday, July 14, and will focus on what organisers describe as the complicity of local companies in the war in Gaza.

One protester told The Herald: “We are here because we believe ordinary people should speak out against war and occupation. Silence helps no one.”

Consultation explores options to reduce running costs and secure long-term future

A PUBLIC meeting will take place at 6:30pm on Monday (July 14) at Fishguard Town Hall to discuss the future operation of Fishguard Library, as part of a public consultation being run jointly by Pembrokeshire County Council and Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council (FGTC).

The consultation explores potential models to reduce the running costs of the library and ensure it remains financially sustainable in its current location. One option under consideration is a Community Managed Partnership Library, supported by local volunteers. The public meeting will focus on how such a model might work and gauge whether there is sufficient local interest to make it viable.

FGTC is currently considering taking over the management of Fishguard Town Hall through a Community Asset Transfer. A joint working group of PCC and FGTC members has been set up to assess the options and gather public feedback.

The consultation begins on Thursday (July 10) and runs until 5:00pm on Wednesday, August 20. Documents will be available online at:
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/consultations
Paper copies will also be available in English and Welsh at Fishguard Town Hall from the same date.

The six options under consideration are:

1. Relocate the library to smaller premises elsewhere in the locality
2. Share the existing library space with a third-party such as a shop or café
3. Increase the annual financial contribution from the Town Council
4. Reduce the library’s opening hours
5. Create a Community Managed Library Partnership
6. Close the library and replace it with mobile provision

All options are explained in more detail in the consultation documents.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We know how important the library at Fishguard Town Hall is to local people. Alongside Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council, we are working to strike a balance that secures library provision while delivering necessary savings.

“Please take the opportunity to read the consultation documents and attend the public meeting on July 14 to learn more.”

A spokesperson for FGTC added: “We know how valued the library is by our community and want to see its fantastic service continue. At the same time, we must recognise the need to reduce costs. We encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and join the public meeting.”

Receipt found in rubbish pile passed to authorities for investigation

A COUNTY councillor has hit out after a pile of building waste, including broken roofing slates, timber, insulation, and packaging, was illegally dumped on a roadside verge in Pembroke.

The fly-tipping incident occurred at the top of Norgan’s Hill, where a mound of slate tiles and other construction debris was discovered discarded next to a gate leading into the countryside.

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the fly-tipping was not only antisocial but also a financial burden on residents.

“Big thank you to those inconsiderate individuals who chose to illegally dump their leftover roof slates at the top of Norgan’s Hill,” Cllr Grimes posted on social media.

“That’s now going to cost us, as council tax payers, to have the council send out a team to collect and properly dispose of your waste. It’s completely unacceptable.”

The Herald understands that among the items left in the pile was a shop receipt with identifiable details on it. This has been handed to the relevant authorities in the hope that the individuals responsible can be traced and prosecuted.

Under UK law, fly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by fines of up to £50,000 or even imprisonment.

Pembrokeshire County Council has been notified of the incident and is expected to remove the waste in the coming days.

Cllr Grimes urged anyone with information about the fly-tipping to contact the council or Dyfed-Powys Police, and reminded residents that legal methods of disposal, including local recycling centres and commercial waste services, are readily available.

“This kind of behaviour shows a complete disregard for our community and environment,” he said. “It will not be tolerated.”