News

Secrecy over Milford Haven Library rent as council faces funding ultimatum

Published

2 months ago

February 10, 2025

MILFORD HAVEN’S library remains under threat as Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) refuses to disclose the rent it pays to the Port of Milford Haven, despite repeated calls for transparency. During a Milford Haven Town Council (MHTC) meeting on Monday (Feb 10), councillors and residents pressed PCC’s Head of Cultural Services, Mike Cavanagh, for answers on the library’s financial future.

RENT SECRECY

At the meeting, Cllr Lee Bridges demanded to know how much PCC is paying the Port of Milford Haven to lease the library premises at the business park. However, Cavanagh refused to disclose the figure, stating that the Port had asked him not to make this information public.

“My hands are tied,” he said. “I cannot say what the figure is because I have been asked not to by the Port.”

“We are now taking advice from our legal department to see if we can tell you this”, he added.

The revelation has intensified concerns over the lack of transparency in the funding of a statutory public service. Residents and councillors alike questioned why the Port—a Trust Port with a duty to benefit the community—is charging an undisclosed rent for the town’s only library, while PCC claims it cannot afford to maintain the service.

PORT’S FOUNDING PRINCIPLES – HELPING THE COMMUNITY?

The Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) was established under the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1958 as a Trust Port, meaning that unlike private companies, it does not have shareholders and is instead supposed to operate for the long-term benefit of the local community.

According to Trust Port principles, the Port should reinvest its profits for the benefit of Milford Haven and its residents. Yet, the library—a statutory service used by hundreds of residents—is being charged rent that PCC says it can no longer afford.

In 2023, the Port achieved its highest-ever revenue, reaching £41.3 million, despite a decrease in ship calls and cargo volumes. The annual profit stood at £4.1 million. This financial growth is attributed to strong performances in cargo handling, property, hospitality, and tourism sectors.

Former Mayor Cllr Colin Sharp questioned whether the Port’s refusal to offer further reductions was compatible with its duty to support the town, saying:

“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.”

In response, Cavanagh confirmed that PCC had asked the Port of Milford Haven for a further rent reduction or a community lease, but they declined.

However, Cllr Nicola Harteveld (Central Ward) defended the Port, saying:

“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.”

A STATUTORY DUTY – BUT WHO PAYS?

Under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, PCC has a statutory duty to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” library service for all residents who wish to use it. The law ensures that councils must not close libraries unless they can prove alternative arrangements will meet local needs.

Despite this, PCC has repeatedly reduced library funding in recent years, and Milford Haven Library is now at risk simply because it is in a rented building rather than a council-owned one.

Milford Haven Library remains the only library in Pembrokeshire housed in a rented building after PCC sold its original premises on Hamilton Terrace in 2009 for just £120,000. Since then, PCC has paid the Port of Milford Haven an annual lease—believed to be around £50,000 per year, although the exact figure remains unknown.

In 2018, the rent was renegotiated and reduced, but Cavanagh refused to say by how much.

Now, PCC says it is struggling to afford the cost of the library as it faces a £27.4 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 financial year. The library is under direct threat, with the council exploring alternative options, including:

Relocating the library to a cheaper site, such as the Meads Leisure Centre
Transitioning it into a Community Managed Partnership
Receiving financial support from Milford Haven Town Council

TOWN HALL COULD OFFER A SOLUTION

During the meeting, Cllr Lee Bridges proposed an alternative location for the library to save costs, suggesting that the new owner of Milford Haven Town Hall, local accountant Bruce Evens, may be open to renting space back to PCC.

“The old Town Hall is in the centre of town, and the Murray Suite on the ground floor is not being fully utilised,” Cllr Bridges said. “I know that Mr Evens is a very community-minded man, and I am sure that he would rent back the space to PCC so that the library can be relocated. He has a keen interest in the town and will be willing, I feel, to invest back into the community.”

Cavanagh responded that all options were on the table and that nothing had been decided yet, stating that the council would listen to the public consultation results before making a final decision.

COUNCIL PRESSURED TO FUND LIBRARY

Cavanagh told MHTC that he had narrowed the budget shortfall for the library from £50,000 to £13,000. He then asked MHTC to contribute £13,000 to keep the library open for another year, claiming that Milford Haven was one of only three towns in Pembrokeshire not contributing to their libraries.

“If the town council agrees to fund £13,000, I will give the library all the protection that I can,” Cavanagh said—leading to accusations that PCC is coercing MHTC into taking responsibility for a statutory service it should be funding itself.

Councillor William Elliott thanked Cavanagh for his presentation and confirmed that MHTC would make a final decision on February 24 regarding financial support for the library.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

With MHTC set to vote on funding the library on February 24, the future of the service remains uncertain. If the town council refuses to pay the £13,000, PCC may push ahead with relocation or cuts, potentially reducing services in Milford Haven.

Meanwhile, the Port of Milford Haven’s refusal to disclose its rental charges has sparked renewed calls for transparency, with campaigners considering a Freedom of Information request to uncover how much public money has been spent on rent since 2009.

The public consultation on the library service remains open until February 17, with residents urged to make their views known before the final decision is made.

This is a developing story. The Herald will continue to report on new developments.

News

New ratings system for care services launches in Wales

Published

4 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A NEW inspection ratings system for care services in Wales comes into force on 1 April to help ensure people receive the best possible care.

Ratings will help people better understand the quality of care provided, making it easier for individuals and families to make informed decisions about their care options. 

All care homes and domiciliary support services across Wales will be given ratings and most required to display them at their premises and online, following an inspection.

The ratings will reflect the quality of care across four key themes: Well-being; Care and Support; Leadership and Management; Environment.

Each theme will be judged as being excellent, good, requires improvement or requires significant improvement.

The Welsh Government consulted on inspection ratings for care home services and domiciliary support services last year.

The new system has been developed in close collaboration with care providers and commissioners across Wales and will help drive high quality standards across care services.

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) will support services through the implementation of the new system. Ratings will be clearly shown in inspection reports, on CIW’s website and on posters for the service provider to display.

Over the coming months, more and more services will be displaying their ratings, however it will take up to two years for all relevant services to be inspected and given their ratings.

The new system represents an important step change in supporting continuous improvement. 

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “Care services throughout Wales have a crucial role in looking after people. For many of them, a care service can also be their home, where they live and thrive, and we want to keep ensuring they receive the best possible care.

“These ratings will enable people to make important decisions in choosing what’s right for them and support their well-being.

“They will also enable service providers to pinpoint their strengths as well as areas for growth and development.

“I want to thank the sector for their work in helping us develop the system.”

Chief Inspector at Care Inspectorate Wales, Gillian Baranski said: “This new ratings system will help people make informed choices about care services while supporting providers to continuously enhance the quality of care they deliver.

“Most care in Wales is good care. Ratings will highlight what is working well and support improvement where needed across Wales.”

Community

Family’s heartbreak as ‘beautiful’ 19-year-old takes his own life after night out

Published

12 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TEENAGER with a passion for rugby and a heart “full of love” took his own life at his home in Narberth after taking cocaine and leaving a note for his family.

Samuel Price, who was 19, died in the early hours of September 21, 2023, at a property in the centre of the Pembrokeshire town.

At an inquest held at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 27), the coroner heard how Sam had returned home after a busy day which included a job interview, a shift at a local pub, and rugby training. He had messaged his mother later that evening to ask to borrow some money, which she agreed to.

At 11:15pm, he contacted someone to ask about buying cocaine. He then began walking to a friend’s house but changed his mind and returned home. His stepfather found him unresponsive the following morning, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:32am.

A note was discovered on his phone indicating his intention to end his life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with recent cocaine use recorded as a contributing factor.

Sam’s mother, Clare Price, described her son as a “very happy kid” who was “beautiful” inside and out.

“This came completely out of the blue,” she told the hearing. “We had plans to go to a gig on Saturday night. He had a big, big heart and loved people so very much. There was no middle ground with Sam—he was very black and white. I want everyone to know that he was so much more than this. He was a beautiful human being.”

The coroner concluded that Sam had taken his own life and extended his condolences to the family.

A legacy of love and hope

Following Sam’s tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. His auntie Shelley, uncle Anthony, and cousins Hollie and Sophie recently completed a 19-mile walk from Minehead to Donniford—one mile for every year of Sam’s life.

The fundraiser, which has already passed £1,000, was part of a wider campaign led by Sam’s mother, Clare, who has raised more than £6,500 through her initiative, The Sammy-sized GAP. The project aims to strengthen support networks for people in crisis and push for changes in government policy, including allowing friends and family to refer vulnerable adults for mental health intervention.

***The Hooper family raised more than £1,000 in memory of Sam’s ‘vibrant’ life (Pic: Clare Sturman)***

Sam, who grew up in Minehead before moving to Pembrokeshire, was known for his love of rugby and was a proud member of Minehead Barbarians’ mini team, once taking part in a memorable trip to France with the side.

Speaking after the walk, Clare said: “The Hooper family’s walk is a powerful symbol—a tribute filled with love, but also a call to action. It echoes Sam’s vibrancy, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention education and support for those affected. From this tragedy, they are crafting a legacy of hope, ensuring that others find strength and assistance in their darkest moments.”

She has also warned against young people self-medicating to deal with anxiety, isolation and mental health struggles, urging anyone affected to seek proper help.

“If you knew our Sam, or know a young person who might be going through similar struggles—who might be tempted to numb the pain with drugs—please consider giving what you can to this fund,” she said. “On Sam’s behalf, we will be very grateful.”

Donations to The Sammy-sized GAP initiative can be made via GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is struggling

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available.

You are not alone, and talking to someone can make a difference.

Samaritans offer a free, confidential 24/7 listening service. Call 116 123 at any time or visit www.samaritans.org for more support.
CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales: Free support and listening service available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text “Help” to 81066.
Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.
Mind: Mental health charity offering advice and support. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Crime

Police investigate theft of 75 sheep from Newcastle Emlyn farm

Published

13 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating the theft of approximately 75 sheep from a farm in the Newcastle Emlyn area.

The lamb yearling ewes were reported missing from farmland near Rhydlewis. Officers believe the theft occurred sometime between March 7 and March 17, 2025.

The stolen sheep are described as white-faced, with clean white wool and a faint yellow spot. They are believed to be continental cross ewes, similar in appearance to Texel crosses.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and remains in police custody.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist with the investigation.

Anyone with details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via the following:

🖥️ | Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
📧 | Email: [email protected]
📞 | Call: 101

Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 178 of March 23.