Community

Future of Milford Haven library discussed at well attended public meeting

Published

10 months ago

February 6, 2025

A WELL-ATTENDED public meeting at Milford Haven Library on Monday night (Feb 3) saw residents voice their concerns over proposed changes to the county’s library service. Pembrokeshire County Council’s representative Mike Cavanagh, Head of Cultural, Leisure, Tourism and Registration Services, faced numerous questions from members of the public and town councillors in attendance.

The meeting followed the release of proposals aimed at reducing the council’s budget deficit, which currently stands at £27.4 million for the 2025-26 financial year. Among the options being considered is a 20% reduction in the library service budget, which could result in significant changes to Milford Haven Library, Pembroke Library, and Pembroke Dock Library.

Inside Milford Haven library (Pic: PCC)

MILFORD’S UNIQUE POSITION

Milford Haven Library is the only library in Pembrokeshire housed in a leased building after the council sold off its previous premises on Hamilton Terrace. The annual lease is understood to cost around £50,000, paid to the Port of Milford Haven – although we do not currently know the exact figure. But it is understood this is already a re-negotiated lower amount.

We asked the Council for the costings on Tuesday but are still waiting a reply.

Now, in an effort to cut costs, the council is exploring the possibility of relocating the library to a smaller, cheaper venue or establishing a Community Managed Partnership to take over its operations.

Residents at the meeting raised concerns about the potential loss of library services and questioned why the council was paying such a significant lease amount when alternative options could have been explored earlier.

Questions were also raised as to why the Port of Milford Haven were charging at

COUNTY-WIDE LIBRARY CUTS ON THE TABLE

The library service underwent a public consultation last summer through a Library Needs Assessment (LNA), with respondents overwhelmingly rejecting suggestions such as closing libraries, replacing staff with 24/7 technology, or cutting the Book Fund. However, there was some support for working with volunteers, co-locating services, and reducing opening hours.

Under the council’s proposals:

Milford Haven Library could be relocated or transitioned into a Community Managed Partnership.
Pembroke Library could see its opening hours reduced by eight hours per week.
Pembroke Dock Library could have its hours cut by seven hours per week.

The council has modelled savings at four levels: 10%, 20%, 30%, and 60%, with the latter two categorised as having the most severe impact on services. The 20% reduction, currently under consultation, falls in the ‘red’ category, indicating significant but not critical disruption.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION UNDERWAY

With the council’s budget set to be finalised on February 20, 2025, officials have begun seeking public input on the proposals. Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation process by completing online surveys for each of the affected libraries. Paper copies are also available at the libraries, with submissions open until 5:00pm on February 17, 2025.

The council has stated that final decisions will be made by Cabinet, taking into account both the consultation results and findings from the Library Needs Assessment.

WHAT NEXT?

Cllr Lee Bridges, who was the meeting, said that Milford Haven Town Council has invited Mike Cavanagh to attend a future meeting to discuss plans regarding the library.

Cllr Bridges added: “It is an extreme shame that PCC disposed of the original library building on Hamilton Terrace, as it was well located in the centre of town and avoided the need to pay rent.”

He added: “After speaking to library staff at the meeting I have become aware that the library is also an important community hub to help a variety of ages, especially the elderly, with functions that the town hall, also now sold off, had previously provided them.

“It would be a great shame for a vital resource like this be removed.”

The future of Milford Haven Library remains uncertain, with locals urging the council to reconsider its approach. Monday’s meeting made it clear that many residents see the library as a vital community asset and are reluctant to accept cuts or changes without further justification.

More discussions are expected in the coming weeks as the council prepares to make its final decision.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

22 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

23 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).