Community

Loss of rural Pembrokeshire streetlights ‘a great concern’

Published

7 months ago

May 16, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CHANGES to Pembrokeshire streetlight provision, which has seen their loss in some rural areas, has saved £1.5m a year, councillors heard.

In a question submitted to the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Michael John asked: “The loss of streetlights in rural areas is an issue which causes great concern to any members of the public affected, and one which is raised with me regularly.

“I believe it is an issue that a number of other members have raised and continue to raise with the department also. Given the policy was introduced around 2006, nearly 20 years ago, does the Cabinet Member agree it would be a good time for it to be reviewed?”

Responding, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said the changes were introduced following a notice of motion by a former county councillor back in 2008, with the need for lights based on four criteria: the number of night-time injuries, high usage – both for vehicles and pedestrians, night-time crime levels, and the number of residents in properties nearby.

Members heard changes to lighting provision, including updating to more efficient LED types, as well as data-led targeting of new areas for lighting, and decommissioning of lighting in areas not meeting the criteria, saved the council some £1.5m a year, along with a reduction in Carbon emissions.

He said he was more than happy the concerns raised following the changes could be reviewed at an appropriate council scrutiny committee.

Cllr Sinnett said was one of the original supporters of the change in policy, adding that, although not universally popular, the change “has had some quite positive effects in terms of budget savings and carbon reduction”.

He finished: “I commend the administration of the time for having the courage to introduce that.”

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

51 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.