Community

St Davids public toilets saved from closure as city steps in

Published

8 months ago

April 29, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for St Davids to take over the responsibility of a public toilet in the city has been given the go-ahead by senior councillors.

St Davids City Council had called for a freehold transfer of the public convenience at Bryn Road, a toilet listed to be closed following a 2023 Cabinet decision, unless a community asset transfer was agreed or a funding stream identified.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting of April 28, said discussions had been ongoing between the council and St Davids City Council (SDCC) since then, St Davids not wanting the facility to close.

“The option of either funding PCC to continue with the facility or undergoing a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) to run the facility themselves were explored, with SDCC agreeing to a transfer but on the proviso that it was on the basis of an unrestricted freehold transfer rather than a long term lease which should be the usual offering for CATs although a transfer of the freehold can also be agreed in exceptional cases,” the report said.

It added: “This request has been made as the land was originally transferred (at no cost) to Haverfordwest Rural District Council (now PCC) by St Davids Parish Council on April 6, 1972. SDCC have rejected a CAT and to date rejected a transfer of the freehold subject to a restriction to continue use of the property as a public convenience on the basis that the land was transferred to Haverfordwest District Council at nil consideration without restriction.”

It went on to say: “SDCC are happy to continue providing a toilet from this site, however the City Council have requested an unrestricted freehold transfer of this property which will allow them to close the facility and use the building for alternative purposes if they wish. As this disposal would be at an ‘undervalue’ to the council, somewhere in the region of £30,000 to £60,000 Cabinet approval is required.”

It concluded: “The risk to PCC is that we gift the property back to SDCC without restriction and they then close the WC facility and sell the property on for a profit. However, SDCC say they have no intention of doing this, certainly in the short / medium term and are therefore happy to add in a covenant which does not allow any sale of the property without the consent of PCC for the next 10 years which is considered reasonable to enable both parties to achieve their well-being goals.”

Cabinet members backed a recommendation to dispose of the facilities at an undervalue with the restriction that SDCC would not be able to dispose of the asset within the next 10 years without the consent of the county council.

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

42 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days 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.