Community

Pembrokeshire national park to pay almost £123k for toilets

Published

2 months ago

October 25, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for Pembrokeshire’s national park to once again financially contribute to the upkeep of 10 public toilets in the park, this time to the tune of just under £123,000 a year, has been backed.

Back in 2023, the park agreed to make a contribution of £111,000 a year, for two years, to fund toilet facilities at West Angle, Freshwater East, Manorbier, Newport Sands / Traeth Mawr, Poppit Sands, Saundersfoot, Broad Haven North, Solva, Little Haven and St Brides.

At the time there were fears, due to financial constraints, that some council-run public toilets could close if alternative sources of funding, including being taken over by local town and community councils or – in the case of the 10 outlined – support from the national park could not be agreed.

A report before members at the October 22 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park said, with the ending of the two-year period, Pembrokeshire County Council has now asked for a contribution including inflationary pressures, along with a £2,000 contribution per toilet for any capital works, amounting to £142,986.38.

However, the park’s income working group has decided the £2,000 figure was “unreasonable given the very limited investment from PCC on facilities in the last two years,” instead recommending a further two years payment plus inflation without that element, resulting in a payment of some £122,986.38 per year.

It was also recommended more clarity be sought from PCC about the off-setting of any contribution against the income generated from some toilets which have a charging function, such as Saundersfoot and Newport Sands/Traeth Mawr.

The report warned the park’s future financial outlook “is challenging as the impact of cumulative reductions in core funding together with significant cost rises is felt,” with the budget for 25-26 forecasting a deficit of £566,000 for the year, and deficits in excess of £1m are predicted for the next three financial years.

Members backed the recommendation for a further two years’ support for the 10 toilets from April 1 of next year, without the £2,000 contribution, with the caveat the contribution should specify that the running costs of Traeth Mawr/Newport Sands be revisited once improvement works have been undertaken, and that income generated at Saundersfoot and Traeth Mawr/Newport Sands be off-set against costs for these locations.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

5 hours 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.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

5 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).