News

Joint session on Learning Centre closures

Published

11 years ago

February 13, 2015

County Hall

COUNTY COUNCILLORS have succeeded in a bid to call in for scrutiny the decision by the Council’s Cabinet to shut Learning Centres in Pembroke Dock and Fishguard.

East Williamston representative Jacob Williams was behind the original move to subject the Cabinet’s pronouncement to proper examination by a meeting of the Older Person’s Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Committee members Jonathan Preston, Peter Stock, Vivien Stoddart, and Tessa Hodgson provided the necessary signatures to ensure the meeting was called.

The Pembrokeshire Herald’s latest edition (Feb 13) reveals that Fishguard were not told of the threat to axe the town’s Learning Centre.

Cllr Williams has provided detailed reasons to support the call-in for scrutiny and criticises the short time frame before the closures take place and the lack of consultation before the recommendation was rubber-stamped by the Cabinet on Monday, February 9.

In his letter to Acting Head of Legal Services Claire Incledon, Jacob Williams says: ‘A bold claim is made within the report that “there will be no impact from these changes on the range of courses or opportunities that Learning Pembrokeshire offers” – given the uncertainty over the future locations of buildings and the facilities that may or not be available, I don’t believe this claim is sustainable and the viability of all current classes switching to alternative buildings appears not to have been assessed.’

Councillor Williams told The Herald: “Other than a claimed saving, there isn’t a single other pound sign or figure in the rest of the report to justify closing these learning centres throughout the county. If it’s about saving money then they need to be up-front with the figures and show their workings out.”

He continued: “None of the financials behind this decision have been appraised, or if they have, none of this was reported by officers to cabinet. Nor has an impact assessment been undertaken. That’s simply not good enough. The people of Pembrokeshire, who this decision will affect, deserve better. Decisions should be made after consultation and based on proper evidence, and not some doodles on the back of an envelope.”

In his call in request, Cllr Williams goes on to point out that the closure of the centres may be the thin end of a further round of cuts.

Speaking of the closure of Tenby’s Learning Centre, Cllr Williams expressed his concerns that the closure of the service in Tenby, housed in the same building as the library and youth club, ‘could lead to the unsustainability and therefore eventual closure of the library.’

He concludes: ‘I believe that the consultation to date on all aspects of the closures has been inadequate. Local members have not been consulted. As part of my call-in, which is endorsed by four committee members, I hope an invite will be extended to any councillor who wishes to address the committee on this call-in, as the decision has the potential to affect residents from across all of the county’s sixty electoral divisions.’

In the letter agreeing to call the requested meeting, Susan Sanders, the Committee Services Officer for the Council states: “It has been determined the matter falls within the remit of both the Older Persons, Health and Well-being Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee and, therefore, a joint meeting of both Committees will be called.”

News

Flood warnings issued across Wales as heavy rain raises river levels

Published

22 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FLOOD warnings and alerts have been issued across large parts of Wales as persistent heavy rain causes river levels to rise, with parts of the country facing an increased risk of flooding on Thursday (Dec 18).

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that four flood warnings are currently in place, meaning immediate action is required, while a further 16 flood alerts have been issued where flooding is possible.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of Wales from 10:00am on Thursday until 7:00pm, with disruption expected in some areas.

NRW said the warnings follow prolonged wet weather, with further heavy rainfall forecast to move across the country during the day.

The Met Office said: “An area of heavy rain will move northeast across the warning area during Thursday morning and afternoon before clearing to the east through the evening.

“Given recent very wet weather, there is potential for some disruption to travel and possible flooding.

“Much of the warning area will see 15–25mm of rain but some places could see 40–50mm, with the highest totals falling over high ground of south Wales.”

Forecasters have also warned that strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly along the coast.

“There is a chance of 60–70mph gusts along the exposed south coast, and perhaps 40–50mph some way inland,” the Met Office added.

Flood warnings in force

NRW has confirmed flood warnings are currently active at the following locations:

River Towy at Carmarthen Quay, Carmarthen
River Ritec at Tenby
River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli

Residents in these areas are being urged to take immediate action to protect property and personal safety.

Flood alerts issued

In addition, flood alerts — meaning flooding is possible — have been issued for the Lower Severn catchment in Powys, along with other areas shown on NRW’s live flood monitoring maps.

NRW is advising people to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and footpaths, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.

The Herald understands that river levels will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day as rainfall moves through Wales.

Members of the public can check the latest flood warnings and alerts on the Natural Resources Wales website or by signing up for flood alerts direct to their phone.

Flood alerts and warnings across Wales on Thursday (Pic: NRW).

Crime

Jury discharged after failing to reach verdict in historic abuse trial

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms

THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.

On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.

The foreman replied: “No.”

Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations would lead to a verdict being reached.

The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”

Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.

Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.

“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”

He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.