News
Loan agreed for harbour regeneration
THE COUNCIL’s Cabinet has agreed to loan a further £1.25million to the Saundersfoot Harbour Commission to help with the regeneration of the Harbour.
As part of the recommendation the Council will also enter into negotiations with the Harbour Commissioners to discuss the disposal of a former coal office which is partly owned by the Council.
Council Leader Jamie Adams described it as an ‘exciting scheme’ while Cllr Keith Lewis said that not being involved with the project would not put the authority in a ‘good light’.
Cllr Keith Lewis said: “This went before Cabinet in September 2013 where we approved a loan of £1.25 million. The Welsh Government has now acknowledged the importance of Saundersfoot as a marine centre and also within the context of Pembrokeshire College who have also acknowledged the application of courses at the site in terms of marine studies.
“The whole idea has moved on, originally the request was for money for the purchase of the Jones & Teague building, that money has now been secured through the Welsh Government.
“This means that that will become phase one of the project and associated with the funding already in place is phase two which is a visitor platform around the sluice area so that that offer is already in place in terms of finance. The authority’s involvement now has been moved to a third phase which is centred around a building that we already own which is the former coal office, now known as the barbeque building. That is partly in our ownership and forms a part of this particular request in that the total cost of development associated with the land around the car park and barbeque building is £1.65 million.
“The Saundersfoot Harbour Commission has already funded £400,000 and this is why we have this before us today in that there completion on the purchase of the building which isn’t ours really depends on us continuing to support with this loan.
“Cabinet needs to be aware that in this £1.25 million it does reflect what is owed to the authority in terms of the change of ownership in the Barbeque building so they may come back to us in the future with an extension of this loan agreement to cover the purchase cost.
“The one thing that I need to stress, as this is a significant amount of money, is that relevant checks have been carried out and the model in place in terms of the business plan, we are happy that they would support this loan with repayment over fifteen years. As part of the security of this loan we would require a bond on the property until the buildings are complete.
“Having said that, the secondary loan to cover the purchase of the authority’s property will have to be assessed separately. In terms of what is before us today, I think this is a wonderful, wonderful opportunity to show our commitment to the tourist industry of Pembrokeshire and to not be a part of such a development would not put the authority in good light”.
Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “It’s an exciting scheme and I think we recognise there is an opportunity of investment a significant opportunity of some great usage for the tourist industry”.
News
Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club
A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.
A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”
As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”
News
Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death
MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.
Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.
A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”
The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”
Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.
Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.
In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.
Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”
Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.
The inquest continues.
News
Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying
MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.
Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.
On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.
Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.
Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.
The inquest continues.
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