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Fresh setback for Cardigan pool campaigners as council rejects revised business plan

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Campaigners fighting to reopen Cardigan Swimming Pool have been dealt another setback after Ceredigion County Council’s chief executive, Eifion Evans, rejected their revised business plan for a second time.

The community group, Cardigan Pool Revival (CPR), had submitted a new proposal following an earlier refusal in June, when Mr Evans concluded their original plan did not meet the council’s due diligence requirements—particularly in relation to its financial robustness. He had advised that the financial aspect of the plan required “significant strengthening”.

However, in his latest response, Mr Evans confirmed that the council’s principal concern remained unchanged: the group’s ability to raise the “significant” level of upfront investment needed to carry out essential upgrades to the ageing facility, address structural and safety issues, and maintain cashflow during the early months of reopening.

He said: “The Business Plan continues to lack specific details regarding a programme of capital works and the means by which you intend to fund the substantial works required to facilitate the re-opening of the facility,” in a letter to CPR representative, Di Champion.

The council identified several critical areas in need of attention, including fire safety compliance, health and safety concerns, and general disrepair across the building.

Mr Evans added: “While we note that you have identified several potential grant-funding streams, it is important to highlight that, at present, there appear to be no assurances from any of these organisations regarding their willingness to support the pool’s re-opening.”

He went on to stress that, for the council to have confidence in CPR’s ability to take on a lease and operate the pool sustainably, it would need to see far stronger evidence of confirmed financial backing.

“In summary, in order for the council to be confident that the Cardigan Pool Revival Group would be in a financially stable position to take on a lease and be viable on an ongoing basis, the council needs to have far greater confidence in the group’s ability to secure financial investment and, therefore, some form of written commitment from grant providers, loan sources or investors would be required,” he said.

“Therefore, unfortunately, the conclusion remains that the council is unable to accept the revised business plan that has been submitted.”

The decision marks another blow for the campaigners, who have been working to bring the popular community facility back into use since its closure. Despite the council’s continued concerns, CPR members have vowed to keep exploring options to restore the much-missed swimming pool for the people of Cardigan and the surrounding area.

 

Community

Milford Haven School pupil praised after stepping in during real-life emergency

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A YEAR 11 pupil at Milford Haven School has been praised after putting his first aid training into action to help an injured member of the public following an accident.

Aryan, who is currently working towards lifesaving qualifications, including first aid training, found himself faced with a real emergency when a woman suffered a head injury after a fall.

Rather than panic, the teenager stepped in immediately and calmly took control of the situation.

According to Milford Haven School, Aryan used a first aid kit to treat the injury, helped make the woman comfortable, and provided clear aftercare advice while remaining calm and compassionate throughout the incident.

School staff said his actions demonstrated maturity, confidence and professionalism beyond his years.

Applying first aid in a genuine emergency can be far more challenging than practising in a classroom setting, but Aryan rose to the occasion and put his training into practice when it mattered most.

Milford Haven School said it was “incredibly proud” of the Year 11 pupil, describing him as “a fantastic example of courage, responsibility and care for others.”

The school added that Aryan’s response showed the importance of young people learning practical lifesaving skills and highlighted the positive impact they can have within the community.

Da iawn, Aryan — a credit to Milford Haven School and the wider community.

Photo caption: Helping hand: Year 11 pupil Aryan has been praised after using his first aid training to help an injured member of the public following a fall (Pic: Milford Haven School).

 

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Charity champion praised for years of quiet community work

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Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give highlighted at Haverfordwest River Festival

A LONG-RUNNING Pembrokeshire charity that has quietly helped thousands of people over more than a decade was given recognition during the Haverfordwest River Festival.

County councillor Thomas Tudor met with charity founder Amanda Absalom-Lowe during Saturday’s (June 13) event at the Riverside Shopping Centre, praising the work of Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give.

Cllr Tudor said it was “lovely to catch up” with Amanda, describing the organisation as a charity that does “amazing work in our community.”

Founded in 2009, Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give has spent more than 13 years helping vulnerable people across Pembrokeshire and beyond by combining environmental recycling projects with practical community support.

The charity, based in Haverfordwest, helps redistribute surplus food, unwanted household items, clothing and essential goods to people struggling financially, homeless people, hospitals, charities and community groups.

Its work also includes providing “Rainbow Emergency Packs” for patients unexpectedly admitted to hospital, Christmas toy donations for children, emergency household support for families affected by fires or hardship, and aid for animal rescue centres.

The group says it has helped divert tonnes of waste from landfill through its recycling initiatives, encouraging residents to donate items rather than throw them away.

Amanda Absalom-Lowe, founder and chairperson of the charity, has received a string of honours for her work over the years, including the Radio Pembrokeshire Local Hero Green Award, the Haverfordwest Town Council Award of Merit, and the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services Volunteer of the Year Award.

In 2020, she was also recognised nationally after being named in the BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour Power List, celebrating inspirational women making a difference.

The charity has supported numerous causes including Patch Charity, Wales Air Ambulance, Paul Sartori Foundation, Blood Bikes, Greenacres Rescue, Bristol Children’s Hospital, children’s wards across Wales and homeless support initiatives.

Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give operates from Kiln Road in Haverfordwest and relies heavily on donations and community support.

The charity’s message remains simple: “Recycle4Charity — don’t throw it away, donate it.”

Community support: Amanda Absalom-Lowe with County Councillor Thomas Tudor at the Haverfordwest River Festival (Pic: Supplied).

 

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River festival brings crowds to Haverfordwest

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A CELEBRATION of the River Cleddau brought crowds into Haverfordwest on Saturday (June 13) as the town’s River Festival returned for a second year.

The event, centred around HaverHub and stretching along the quay towards the Bristol Trader, attracted families, visitors and local residents for a packed day of riverside activities.

Organised by The Cleddau Project, the festival showcased the beauty, wildlife and heritage of the Cleddau, with visitors enjoying canoe trips on the river, live music, demonstrations, art exhibitions, science activities and a wide range of community stalls.

County Councillor for Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor, attended the event and said it was “great” to see so many people visiting the County Town of Pembrokeshire.

He thanked organisers, volunteers and supporters for helping make the day such a success.

The sunny weather helped draw large crowds to the riverside, with many gathering along the embankment to watch activities on the water, including canoeing and boat displays. Free canoe trips proved particularly popular, giving people a chance to experience the Western Cleddau from a different perspective.

Community groups and charities were also out in force, sharing information about river conservation, marine wildlife, recycling and local environmental projects. Exhibitions highlighted the importance of protecting Pembrokeshire’s waterways, while stalls offered local produce, crafts and refreshments throughout the day.

A specially crafted coracle — a traditional small boat linked to Welsh river heritage — was also on display, helping visitors learn more about historic life on the river and Pembrokeshire’s maritime traditions.

Crowds lined the riverside near the Riverside Shopping Centre as the festival atmosphere continued into the afternoon, with families taking advantage of the warm weather to relax beside the water.

The festival was supported by a number of organisations including Haverfordwest Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, HaverHub, Riverside Shopping Centre and Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give.

Organisers say the event is aimed at reconnecting people with the river that helped shape Haverfordwest, while celebrating the Cleddau as one of Pembrokeshire’s greatest natural assets.

 

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