Community

St Davids public toilets saved from closure as city steps in

Published

1 year 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

River festival returns to Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

9 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CELEBRATION of the Cleddau will take place in Haverfordwest this weekend as the town’s River Festival returns for a second year.

The event will be held on Saturday (June 13), from 10:00am until late, centred on HaverHub and stretching along the quay towards the Bristol Trader.

Organised by The Cleddau Project, the family-friendly festival will include guided walks, demonstrations, art, science activities, live music, market stalls, free canoe trips and a boat race.

The event aims to celebrate the beauty, wildlife and heritage of the Cleddau, while encouraging more people to make use of the river and riverside area.

Organisers said the weather is looking promising and have invited families to “come on down” and enjoy the day.

Groups involved include West Wales Rivers Trust, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Paddle West and Pembrokeshire Marine Wildlife.

Community

Mayors and community leaders join Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations

Published

22 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town’s civic leaders praised as event highlights community spirit

A HOST of civic dignitaries and community representatives joined residents for this year’s Milford Haven Founders Day, helping to mark the town’s annual celebration of its heritage and community spirit.

The event, held on Saturday, welcomed mayors and representatives from towns across Pembrokeshire, alongside police officers, clergy and local business leaders.

Milford Haven Founders Day organisers thanked guests for attending and supporting the occasion, describing their presence as helping to make the day “even more special”.

Among those attending were the Mayor of Milford Haven, Mark Woodward, accompanied by Mayoress Evija Upeniece Woodward; the Mayor of Haverfordwest, Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner, accompanied by Mayoress and Sheriff Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner; the Mayor of Pembroke, Jonathan Grimes; the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Tony Wilcox; and the Mayor of Neyland, Councillor Peter Hay, accompanied by Mayoress Mitzy Hay.

The event also welcomed local Police Community Support Officers from Milford Haven and Neyland Police, Reverend Dr Adrian Furse of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, Milford Haven Business Circle chairman Byron Thomas Jenkins, and treasurer Amanda Dyson.

Organisers said the strong turnout from civic leaders reflected the importance of Founders Day as a celebration of Milford Haven’s identity and local pride.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Founders Day said: “Your presence and support helped make the day a memorable celebration of our town, its history and its community spirit. We are truly grateful that you took the time to join us and share in the festivities.”

Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes later praised the event, commenting: “Thank you for the kind invitation – it was a wonderful event!”

Photo caption:

Civic guests: Mayors, community representatives and local officers gather during Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations (Pic: Captured Soul Photography).

Community

Community rallies to protect AJ Store after break-in

Published

22 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New security gate installed thanks to generosity of Pill and Milford Haven residents

MILFORD HAEVN residents have rallied around the owner of AJ Store in Pill Lane after a recent break-in, helping fund new security measures to protect the independent business.

Just days after an appeal was launched to support the shop following another break-in, donations from local people helped pay for a new security gate, now installed at the front of the store.

The owner, who took over the business around nine months ago, had faced costly repairs and mounting concerns over security after the latest incident.

The fundraiser, launched with the owner’s permission, asked for help towards repairs and measures to safeguard the future of the business.

In an emotional message posted online, AJ Local thanked the community for its support.

The shop said: “I would like to thank everyone who have been so generous with your donations to the GoFundMe and have enabled us to have this amazing security gate made and fitted by an excellent local business, KGM Welding.

“A big thank you to Kyle Morris, I’m very, very grateful to you and all of the people of Pill and Milford community.”

Community spirit

The rapid response to the appeal has been praised as an example of Milford Haven residents coming together to support a valued local business during a difficult time.

Independent convenience stores often face significant financial pressures following break-ins, with repair costs, insurance increases and additional security expenses placing strain on small traders.

The Herald previously reported on concerns about shop crime in Milford Haven, with businesses in areas including Pill Lane and Charles Street affected by robberies and break-ins in recent years.

Protected:

The new security gate installed at AJ Store in Pill Lane following community donations (Pic: AJ Local).