Longest-serving town councillor remembered as tireless champion for her community

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of former mayor and long-serving town councillor Pamela George, a familiar and much-loved figure in Pembroke Dock public life.

Cllr George, believed to be the town’s longest-serving member of Pembroke Dock Town Council, died on Saturday (Feb 1).

Over decades of service, she became known for her commitment to local causes and her hands-on approach to helping residents, with colleagues describing her as a dedicated public servant who always put the town first.

She served as mayor on nine separate occasions, most recently during the 2022/23 civic year, and was regularly seen supporting community events, fundraisers and local organisations across the town.

In a statement, the Town Council said it was “with great sadness” that members learned of her passing.

A spokesperson added: “Pam was very passionate in her role as councillor and mayor and she will be sorely missed. She gave so much of her time to Pembroke Dock and to the people who live here.”

A book of condolence has been opened to allow residents to pay their respects.

Local representatives from across Pembrokeshire also shared their memories.

Samuel Kurtz MS described the news as “incredibly sad”, offering condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. He said she was always generous with her time and knowledge of the town.

The Pennar Community Hall committee called her “a true stalwart of the community”, recalling her regular presence at fundraising events and her unwavering support for local initiatives.

Fellow councillors said she was known for her positivity and encouragement, as well as her deep pride in Pembroke Dock. One described her as a “great mentor and friend” and “a wonderful ambassador for the town”, while others remembered her constant smile and dedication to residents.

Current mayor Michele Wiggins said the town would feel her loss keenly.

“She was a wonderful champion for Pembroke Dock,” she said. “Her positivity, commitment and loyalty to the town have been like no other. She will be greatly missed.”

Cllr George’s long record of service leaves what many say is a lasting legacy in the community she worked so hard to support.

CONSTRUCTION work has started on a Haverfordwest scheme to provide sheltered housing apartments for the over-55s.

The Tŷ Haverfordia affordable housing and reablement development of 26 sheltered housing apartments for the over-55s alongside a dedicated 12-bed reablement centre to support residents returning home from hospital at the former Haverfordia House site, delivered by Wynne Construction, forms part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s “continued commitment to increasing high‑quality, accessible housing and deliver effective modern health and social care support across Pembrokeshire”.

Initial works began on January 26 and include securing the site, setting up a small compound and contractor parking area, installing controlled access for site personnel, and positioning temporary office and welfare units.

To maintain safe access to nearby facilities, including the GP surgery and Haverfordwest Leisure Centre, pedestrian routes through the area will remain open.

In addition, a minimum number of public parking spaces, including disabled bays, have been kept with Pay & Display machines relocated to reduce inconvenience.

In keeping the minimum number of parking spaces as well as needing to accommodate essential contractor welfare facilities, a small section of Rifleman Field has had to be used during the duration of the development of the site.

This space will be securely fenced off, and the footprint minimised. Any areas of Rifleman Field affected by the works will be fully reinstated on completion and restored to a condition that is equal to or better than at present.

To ensure residents and stakeholders are kept informed and have the opportunity to engage with the development, Pembrokeshire Housing Services will be hosting a Community Engagement Drop-in Event on Thursday, February 19, 5-7pm, at The Green Room, Haverfordwest Leisure Centre.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman, said: “I am pleased that we have finally reached the stage of commencing on site and look forward to seeing the development progressing.

“We have been able to progress with the development after receiving much-needed Welsh Government grant assistance for both the reablement and housing parts of the development.”

Last year, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members approved awarding a fixed contract of £13,560,454.21 to C Wynne & Son for the Haverfordia House works.

In 2019, Cabinet backed the acquisition of the freehold of Haverfordia House, with the overall intention to deliver a new housing and wellbeing facility following its demolition.

A report for members at last year’s June meeting said: “As well as providing long-term residents with a sense of place and community, it will provide short-term reablement users with the facilities and in-house support which they need to relearn the skills required to keep them safe and independent when they return home.”

It said there was a need for one-bed properties, and a review of sheltered over 55 accommodation was undertaken in 2018-19 which identified that existing sheltered housing stock is “no longer fit for purpose”.

Tributes paid to former RBL chairman and Citizens’ Award recipient

MILFORD HAVEN has been left saddened by the death of Robert Duncan, a well-known and much-respected community figure who devoted decades of his life to voluntary service.

Milford Haven Town Council said it was “so sorry to learn of the passing” of Mr Duncan, describing him as a dear friend to many and a man whose generosity touched countless lives.

Mr Duncan served as Chairman of the Milford Haven branch of the Royal British Legion and was widely recognised for his tireless work supporting veterans and local causes. Alongside his wife Carol, he received a Citizens’ Award in 2016 in recognition of their years of voluntary service to the town.

The couple also fostered children for many years, opening their home to young people in need and providing stability and care to families across the area.

Beyond his work with the Legion, Mr Duncan was involved with the local R.A.O.B. lodge and Milford Haven Museum, contributing time and energy to preserve the town’s history and strengthen community life.

In a statement, the Town Council said: “Robert was a wonderful family man and a most dedicated public servant. So many of us will have stories of his generosity and community activities that we would like to share. Thank you for everything, Robert. We will truly miss you.”

Councillors added that his quiet commitment and willingness to help others made him a familiar and trusted figure across Milford Haven.

Sympathies have been extended to Carol and the wider family, as well as friends and colleagues who worked alongside him over the years.

Those who knew him say his legacy will live on in the many lives he helped shape and the strong sense of community he worked so hard to build.

Photo caption: Robert Duncan and his wife Carol receive a Citizens’ Award in 2016 alongside the Mayor of Milford Haven (Pic: Milford Haven Town Council).