Community

Haverfordwest houses for homeless will not be used for asylum seekers

Published

12 months ago

July 9, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PROPOSED housing for the homeless at the site of a former Haverfordwest school will not be used for asylum seekers despite comments circulating on social media, senior Pembrokeshire councillors heard.

At the July 7 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to back the early stages of a proposal to locate up to 30 modular homes over two phases at the former Mount Airey school site, Augustine Way.

In a report presented by Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Michelle Bateman, said: “Mount Airey primary school has been vacant since 2022. There have been incidences of vandalism and entry to the building. The building structure includes asbestos, and recommendation is that the school needs to be demolished at the earliest opportunity.

“The proposal is to explore the opportunity to develop Modular Homes at Mount Airey due to the high level of one-bed need on the housing register, together with the continued high costs of B&B and continuing pressures to source suitable 1 bed Temporary Accommodation (TA) for the homeless.”

It said other areas of Wales have progressed with such modular homes, including Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan councils.

“It is recognised that in order to make significant inroads into reducing temporary accommodation costs, we need to continue to bring forward accommodation to reduce the reliance on B&Bs. The proposal is therefore to bring forward a meanwhile site of up to 30 one-bed (possibly few two-bed) self- contained modular homes over a two-year period from 2025-2027/8.”

It said costs of B&B and hostel accommodation left an annual ‘cost’ to the local authority of £1.865 million on its core budget.

Members heard a blend of grant and match funding would be required, with an estimated grant level of 63 per cent on a worst-case estimation total site development cost of £6 million, with the demolition and asbestos removal costs estimated at £280,000.

The report said it was expected the scheme was expected to pay itself back in eight years “based on the temporary accommodation costs from reduced reliance on B&B accommodation we are currently experiencing, and the savings in revenue from the B&B would fund the additional borrowing required for the capital allocation”.

It finished: “It is recognised that such a development could raise concern with the local community; and if the proposal is agreed by cabinet it is our intention to carry out community drop in events to explain the proposal and to receive feedback from the local community residents.”

Backing Cllr Bateman’s move to approve the scheme, Cllr Alistair Cameron said: “This is for local people on the housing list, anybody who’s suggesting anything else is just being misleading.”

Cllr Bateman responded by saying they would be for people on the housing register despite online comments they would be used for asylum seekers, which comes under the Home Office not the local authority.

Leader Jon Harvey said: “I wouldn’t say they are swish, but they are certainly of a reasonable quality. It never fails to amaze me how you say it’s black and they say it’s white; there’s a lot of misinformation on the sphere of social media.”

Members backed officers proceeding with scoping the early stages of the proposal to locate up to 30 modular homes at the site, along with community consultation, with further cabinet decisions being required in accordance with financial procedure rules/contract procedure rules at the point of contract tender and award.

Community

Councillors needed for Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE community council, which only has half its council seats filled, is calling for anyone interested in becoming a councillor to think about joining it.

Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council which cover areas such as Reynalton, Thomas Chapel, Begelly and also Kilgetty, is on the lookout for new members, having six vacant seats out of 12.

Peter Adams, Vice-Chair said: “The community council currently has six vacancies for our council, and would very much like to hear from anyone who may be interested in becoming more involved in community matters.

“The only commitment asked, is for a monthly meeting at the Kilgetty community centre on the second Thursday of the month to assist in decision making in the community, apart from the summer break which is usually in August when there is no meeting.”

He added: “KBCC council has 12 seats for councillors to represent the community covering the areas of Reynalton, Thomas Chapel and Kilgetty-Begelly; in recent years councillors have left for various reason due to retirement and other commitments etc, leaving us currently with six people.

“A lot has been achieved in the community in the last two years with a new park being opened, and now the completion of the ownership of the community centre the council feel that we need to encourage new people to come forward with ideas, and to also assist in the running of the increasing community facilities.”

Anyone interested please contact the council’s clerk Gary Price using the council’s website (www.kilgettybegellycouncil.co.uk) or phone 07984991520.

Community

HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.

THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.

Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.

Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.

Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.

“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.

“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”

The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.

HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.

Community

Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod

FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.

Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.

The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.

Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.

The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.

The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.

Photo caption:

Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.