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”.

As closure looms, campaigners say Meidrim pupils thrive in ‘caring community’ as council consultation raises fears for vulnerable learners

A SMALL village primary school at the heart of rural Carmarthenshire is at the centre of a growing campaign to prevent its closure, with supporters warning that vulnerable children could suffer serious consequences if it shuts.

The Cymdeithas yr Iaith has backed efforts to secure the future of Ysgol Bentre Gymraeg Meidrim, describing small rural schools as “caring communities” that provide vital stability for children with additional needs.

At the centre of the case is pupil Tommy Webber, who lives with Bloom Syndrome — an ultra-rare genetic condition which causes complex medical issues and additional learning needs. He is believed to be the only child in Wales diagnosed with the condition.

Medical professionals have advised the school that continuity, routine and trusted relationships are essential for Tommy’s wellbeing. Any disruption — including changing schools, longer daily travel or unfamiliar staff — could have a negative impact on his health, emotional security and educational progress.

Supporters say the small, close-knit nature of Meidrim has allowed staff to provide consistent, personalised care that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere.

However, Carmarthenshire County Council opened a statutory consultation on Thursday (Jan 16) on proposals to close the school, prompting concern from parents, campaigners and language groups.

Speaking on behalf of the Carmarthen region, Cymdeithas yr Iaith representative Sioned Elin said Tommy’s experience reflects a wider truth about the role of small rural schools.

“Tommy’s story shows how a small school can be a safe haven for children with additional needs,” she said. “Education here is genuinely child-centred, and pupils are supported as part of a caring Welsh-speaking community.

“In the same school there is also a deaf pupil, and the other children have learned some sign language so they can communicate with her. That demonstrates how this kind of environment benefits every child, not just one.”

She added that decisions about closures should not be based solely on budgets or pupil numbers.

“The impact cannot be measured purely in financial terms. The question must be whether any alternative provision can truly meet the needs of children who rely on stability and familiarity every day.”

Campaigners argue that losing the school would not only affect education standards but would also weaken the Welsh language and the social fabric of the village.

A supporting letter from hospital clinicians has been submitted as part of the consultation process.

Residents are now urging the council to recognise the wider value of small rural schools before making a final decision.

COUNCIL TAX in Ceredigion is expected to rise by 4.7 per cent for the next financial year, following a better-than-expected funding settlement from the Welsh Government that has eased pressure on the county’s budget.

The increase is significantly lower than earlier projections, which had suggested a rise of close to nine per cent, and comes after additional grant funding was secured for local authorities across Wales.

Last year, council tax in Ceredigion rose by 9.3 per cent as part of the 2025–26 budget.

While council tax accounts for only part of the authority’s income, a key element of its funding comes from Aggregate External Finance (AEF) provided by the Welsh Government.

Under the provisional settlement, Ceredigion County Council was initially set to receive a 2.3 per cent uplift—around £3.39m—bringing its total settlement to approximately £150.67m. This placed Ceredigion joint 13th out of Wales’ 22 local authorities.

However, following a subsequent agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, further funding was made available to councils, improving Ceredigion’s financial position.

Speaking last November, before the enhanced settlement was confirmed, council leader Cllr Bryan Davies warned that early estimates suggested an 8.9 per cent council tax rise might be required. Further modelling of service pressures and potential operational savings later reduced that estimate to 6.9 per cent.

The improved funding outlook was outlined to Cabinet in January by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement, Cllr Gareth Davies, who proposed a 4.75 per cent increase as part of a draft budget requirement of £221.493m.

Members of the council’s Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard on Monday (February 3) that the position had improved again. Additional financial support towards the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service levy has allowed the projected increase to fall slightly further, to 4.7 per cent.

For a typical Band D household, this would equate to an increase of around £7.39 per month in the next financial year.

The committee agreed to note the revised figure. A formal recommendation on council tax levels will be considered by Cabinet on February 10, with the final budget decision due to be made by full council on March 2.