News
Danfo gives toilet update
COUNCILLORS at Tuesday’s Environment Overview meeting listened to a presentation from Danfo about its public toilet provision. Danfo was awarded a contract in August to allow them to take over running of some of the county’s public toilets. At Tuesday’s meeting, Managing Director for Danfo, Ross Longbottom, and Pembrokeshire Operations Manager, Jon Mills, updated councillors on their work since being awarded the contract. Ross Longbottom highlighted their vision for Pembrokeshire saying: “We have invested £5m of our own money into local authorities.
We want to deliver high quality and well managed facilities, deliver better services, invest in current infrastructure and develop the contract.” He also spoke of the ‘Loo of the Year’ awards saying he hoped Pembrokeshire would win a few awards at next year’s ceremony. Jon Mills then spoke about the work they have done in the months since taking over the running of the toilets. He added: “There are now ten full time cleaning staff and two wardens. We have issued new vehicles, new kit, new uniforms and each member of staff has a mobile phone. In Narberth and Neyland we have carried out deep cleans to improve the facilities. From August until now we have carried out 365 repairs across the county that includes everything from replacing light bulbs to clearing blocked drains.” Ross continued: “This is part of a £400,000 investment.
There is a shopping list of what is achievable at the busiest sites. This may include charging mechanisms. There are lots of units that will not require any investment. We have expertise in the industry. We are proactive with our maintenance and we are looking at investing in buildings. There will also be employment opportunities, local supplies will be used, changing places facilities will be built and we want to have a strong partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council.” Cllr Peter Stock said: “This is a quality service. Tourism is the backbone of Pembrokeshire. To draw people to the county we’ve got to provide a quality service. This is an important partnership but vandalism is a real problem we’ve got to tackle.” Ross Longbottom responded: “You are never going to have a vandal-proof toilet but a lot of places are judged on the quality of their public conveniences.”
Cllr Lyn Jenkins also asked about the charges that may be introduced. Ross added: “We have looked at a 20p charge and that has been agreed through Cabinet. The charges could apply to any toilet but at the moment around 15-20 is the maximum number. We may be able to charge at other locations.” The council’s acting head of paid service, Ian Westley added: “Danfo has focussed on management, this could easily have been presented on other matters. I have noticed a phrase that has been gaining momentum recently in relation to our cuts and that is ‘salamislicing’. This was the necessary approach this time last year. What we’ve heard today, is the potential to save revenue figures. Our employees that were affected seem to be quite happy with the outcome. Some staff were concerned at Jon’s appointment to Danfo but we were mindful of the situation and I am confident that everything has been done in a proper manner.”
Local Government
Clean-up after yacht wrecked on rocks at Lower Town, Fishguard
A YACHT that ran aground on rocks at Lower Town in Fishguard is being cleared by Pembrokeshire County Council after debris washed onto the shoreline.
Council officers attended the scene to assess the situation and begin removing wreckage after the vessel was found stranded among the rocks.
Heavy machinery was brought in to help clear debris from the beach, with workers seen dismantling parts of the damaged yacht and removing material that had scattered along the shoreline.
Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed it is aware of the incident and has issued a Notice to Mariners, warning of the potential presence of floating debris in the surrounding waters.
The notice advises vessels navigating in the area to exercise caution while clearance work continues.
No further details about how the yacht came to run aground have been released.
Cover pic:
Council workers clear debris from a yacht that ran aground at Lower Town, Fishguard.
Community
Sea Cadets receive grant, donation and celebrate World Book Day
MILFORD HAVEN SEA CADETS have had a busy and successful week, with new equipment arriving at the unit, a donation from a local organisation, and junior members taking part in World Book Day activities.
The Milford Haven unit recently received delivery of new Standard Horizon VHF radios, which will be used during the upcoming boating season. The equipment was purchased after the group successfully secured funding through the RCD Foundation Grant.
The radios will help cadets develop important communication and safety skills while taking part in maritime training on the water.

The unit also received a £100 donation from Neyland Lodge, with cadets presented with a cheque during the week. Staff at the unit said the contribution would help support activities and training opportunities for young people involved in the organisation.
Leaders at the unit thanked the lodge for its support, describing the donation as a welcome boost for the cadet group.
Meanwhile, junior Sea Cadets marked World Book Day by taking part in a special visit to their local library. Along with members of the Junior Training Organisation (JTO), the young cadets dressed up and learned about the role of a librarian.
During the visit, they explored the library and each chose a favourite book, helping to encourage reading and learning outside the classroom.

Milford Haven Sea Cadets said the week highlighted the wide range of experiences available to cadets, from maritime training and community support to educational activities.
The unit is part of the wider Sea Cadet network operating across West Wales and continues to provide opportunities for young people in the Milford Haven area to develop skills, confidence and teamwork.
Local Government
Petition calling for clean rivers policy wins unanimous support at County Hall
A PETITION calling for Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt a stronger Clean Rivers Policy has received unanimous support from councillors at County Hall.
The petition, backed by environmental campaigners and community groups, was presented during a meeting of the council on Thursday (Mar 6). Supporters in the public gallery applauded after councillors expressed their backing for the proposals.

The presentation was delivered by James Harrison-Allen, representing The Cleddau Project, a volunteer-led initiative focused on protecting and restoring the River Cleddau and its surrounding environment.
Campaigners said the atmosphere inside the council chamber was “extraordinary”, with councillors from across the political spectrum voicing support for improving river protection measures in Pembrokeshire.

The petition calls for the council to adopt a clearer policy aimed at improving water quality and tackling pollution affecting local rivers.
Supporters say pollution from multiple sources, including agricultural run-off and sewage discharges, has placed increasing pressure on rivers across Wales, including the Eastern and Western Cleddau.
Following the presentation, councillors backed the petition unanimously, prompting applause from members of the public and campaign supporters in attendance.
The campaign has drawn support from a number of environmental organisations including West Wales Rivers Trust, River Action UK, and the Campaign for National Parks.
Representatives from several organisations and public bodies were also acknowledged by campaigners, including Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, as well as local political representatives Henry Tufnell MP, Samuel Kurtz MS, and Paul Davies MS.
Campaigners say the decision marks an important step in raising awareness of river pollution issues affecting the Cleddau catchment and wider waterways across Pembrokeshire.
The Cleddau Project said the outcome was “a great day for the Cleddau” and praised the work of volunteers and supporters who have helped drive the campaign forward.
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