PLANNERS are to visit the site of a proposed north Pembrokeshire ‘battery box’ unit to provide electricity storage during off-peak times, which has seen local objections including fears of a potential risk to nearby school children.

In an application recommended for approval at the November meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, AMP Clean Energy sought permission for a micro energy storage project on land at Fishguard Leisure Centre Car Park, near Ysgol Bro Gwaun.

This scheme is one of a number of similar applications by AMP, either registered or approved under delegated planning powers by officers.

AMP Clean Energy was recently granted permission for micro energy storage projects in Pembroke Dock, Pembroke, and land to the south of Withybush Industrial Estate, Haverfordwest; works on the latter having recently started.

A supporting statement accompanying each application says the battery boxes import electricity from the local electricity network when demand for electricity is low or when there are high levels of renewable energy available, exporting it back during periods of high demand to help address grid reliability issues prompted by an increase of intermittent (wind and solar) generation, with each giving the potential to power 200 homes for four hours.

The Fishguard scheme, which has seen objections from the town council and members of the public, was before committee at the request of the local member, Cllr Pat Davies.

Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council objected to the proposal on grounds including visual impact, and the location being near the school.

An officer report said the scheme would be well screened by a Paladin Fence, with a need to be sited close to an existing substation.

Speaking at the meeting, Shirley Devonald, on behalf of her elderly parents who live nearby, said raised concerns about the visual impact of the scheme, along with fears of a potential fire risk from the batteries, with Fishguard Town Council’s Cllr Jim Morgan raising concerns including the “nightmare scenario” of a fire as children were leaving the school.

Cllr Pat Davies, who had made the request for committee decision, suggested there were better “industrial” locations for the scheme, saying: “There are real safeguarding issues here, I strongly oppose this application, I just can’t understand why this location has been chosen.”

Cllr Davies stressed she was not against the technology, just the location and the potential risk to pupils.

Calls for a site visit, later formally moved by Cllr Brian Hall, were made, but Cllr Tony Wilcox said he would call for its refusal, purely on location, with Cllr Alan Dennison raising similar concerns.

Members backed a site visit by nine votes to four; the application returning to a future meeting.

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN BAND and the Paul Sartori Community Choir joined forces on Friday evening (Nov 7) for a moving Remembrance Concert at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church.

The event, supported by Milford Haven Town Council, drew a large and appreciative audience to the historic church for an evening of reflection, music and community spirit.

The Town Band performed a stirring programme of traditional and contemporary pieces, with the Paul Sartori Community Choir adding powerful harmonies and heartfelt performances that filled the church with emotion. Audience members joined in with wartime favourites and hymns, creating a true sense of remembrance and unity.

Following the concert, a short service of remembrance and a minute’s silence were held inside the church, with the Royal British Legion Club – Milford Haven’s Standard paraded to mark the solemn occasion.

Those in attendance praised the dedication and talent of both ensembles, describing the evening as “wonderful” and “deeply moving.”

The Town Band and choir were congratulated for their professionalism and community contribution, and both groups said they were proud to have taken part in honouring those who gave their lives in service.

We will remember them.

(Pic: Milford Haven Town Council / Facebook)

THE OLDER PEOPLE’s COMMISSIONER FOR WALES has praised a range of projects across Pembrokeshire that are providing vital support for older people and helping residents to “live well and age well”.

Rhian Bowen-Davies spent the week (Nov 3–7) visiting towns and villages throughout the county, meeting older residents and volunteers at a variety of community groups and activities. The visits formed part of her ongoing work to understand the challenges faced by older people in Wales and highlight examples of best practice in local communities.

During her time in Pembrokeshire, the Commissioner met with older people’s groups in Carew, Crymych, Haverfordwest, Hubberston, Milford Haven, Newport, Pembroke Dock, Saundersfoot and St Davids.

These included the Pembrokeshire 50+ Forum, social and lunch clubs, dementia-friendly groups, and exercise sessions designed to help people maintain strength, confidence and independence. She also visited an innovative new extra-care housing scheme and a reablement service supporting older people to regain independence after illness or injury.

The Commissioner held meetings with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Leader, Chief Executive and Cabinet Members, as well as representatives from local organisations such as PAVS, PACTO and Bro Preseli, to discuss services aimed at making communities across the county more age-friendly.

Speaking after her visit, Rhian Bowen-Davies said it had been “hugely valuable” to see the positive difference that local groups and volunteers are making.

“From social clubs and lunch groups to housing and reablement services, the commitment, compassion and creativity of local volunteers, community leaders and organisations are transforming people’s lives every day,” she said.

“It’s been a privilege to hear directly from older people about what helps them live well – opportunities to socialise, stay active and feel connected. But we must also recognise the challenges they face, such as access to healthcare, limited public transport, and fears of being left behind in a digital world.

“I look forward to working with partners across Pembrokeshire to build on the excellent work already underway and ensure every older person can access the support they need.”

Her week of visits also highlighted how dedicated volunteers are the backbone of many successful local initiatives. Many of the groups she met are entirely community-led, offering companionship, exercise, meals, and creative activities that help reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing.

The Commissioner thanked all those she met for their warm welcome and for sharing their experiences “so openly and honestly”.

Cover photo:

VC Gallery: The Commissioner meets founder Barry John MBE and volunteers at the Pembroke Dock centre supporting veterans and the wider community.