News
New half term dates to ‘save parents cash’
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL will write to the Welsh Education Minister to ask him to explore possible half-term changes. The Notice of
Motion was put forward by Cllr Tessa Hodgson and was discussed at Monday’s Cabinet Meeting. Her original Motion asked the Council to undertake a feasibility study into moving half-term holidays so that they do not coincide with other authorities but Council Leader Jamie Adams said they were not in a position to make such changes.
Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “My notice of motion seeks to find ways of alleviating the problem that families have trying to find an affordable break during school holidays. “My notice of motion seeks to extend the window of opportunity for families by staggering half term holidays. This will allow parents and those who work in education a small window of opportunity to take advantage of the lower prices offered by travel companies.
“Having read the report I have realised that the setting of term dates has been taken out of control of the authority and I would like to put forward this amendment: That this authority write to the Welsh Education Minister asking him to look at more innovative ways of setting school holiday dates, keeping at the forefront of his mind hardworking families, teachers and support staff”.
Cllr Sue Perkins said: “I do understand the issues of all parents when it can become very expensive to take holidays in specific halfterms but I am more than happy for that to take to place”. Council Leader Jamie Adams added: “There has been a very consistent approach with regards to taking holidays in term time and therefore there is a far greater expectation placed on parents to ensure that their children are available at school time.
Director for Children and Schools, Kate Evans-Hughes also said: “There is merit in writing, there are considerable letters going to the minister about this and I suspect there will be a review of the situation”.
Local Government
Pembroke’s Henry Tudor Centre awarded £249,813 National Lottery grant
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council, in partnership with the Henry Tudor Trust, has secured a £249,813 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the creation of the new Henry Tudor Centre at South Quay, Pembroke.
The Centre will bring to life the largely untold story of Henry Tudor – the son of Pembroke who carried the Welsh language to the English court and ultimately claimed the greatest prize of all: the crowns of Wales and England. His victory in 1485 established the Tudor dynasty, one of the most influential in British history.
The new attraction will explore Henry’s Welsh heritage, his formative years in Pembroke, and his lasting impact on the national story, Welsh identity and wider British culture.
Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help develop the Centre ahead of its opening in Spring 2027. The grant will also support a one-year Community Programme Coordinator role to deliver an events programme, establish a volunteering scheme, and create educational resources for local schools.
The Henry Tudor Centre forms part of the wider regeneration of South Quay, which also includes a new library, community café, and an integrated healthcare, social services and supported employment hub in the adjoining buildings.
Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, these prominent listed buildings beside the magnificent Pembroke Castle have been rescued from dereliction and given a new purpose. The new centre will celebrate Henry Tudor’s deep connection to Pembroke and will be a major draw for visitors. It is a key element of our wider regeneration of Pembroke town centre.”
Andrew White, Director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re proud to support Pembrokeshire County Council and the Henry Tudor Trust in bringing the story of Henry Tudor to life. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will not only shine a light on Wales’ rich heritage and cultural identity, but also create a vibrant hub for learning, volunteering and community engagement in the heart of Pembroke.”
Crime
Man accused of Milford Haven burglary and GBH remanded to Crown Court
A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court charged with burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm, following an incident at a flat in the town earlier this week.
Charged after alleged attack inside Victoria Road flat
Stephen Collier, aged thirty-eight, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Dec 5). Collier is accused of entering a property known as Nos Da Flat, 2 Victoria Road, on December 3 and, while inside, inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man named John Hilton.
The court was told the alleged burglary and assault was carried out jointly with another man, Denis Chmelevski.
The charge is brought under section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968, which covers burglary where violence is inflicted on a person inside the property.
No plea entered
Collier, represented by defence solicitor Chris White, did not enter a plea during the hearing. Prosecutor Simone Walsh applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody, citing the serious nature of the offence, the risk of further offending, and concerns that he could interfere with witnesses.
Magistrates Mr I Howells, Mr V Brickley and Mrs H Meade agreed, refusing bail and ordering that Collier be kept in custody before trial.
Case sent to Swansea Crown Court
The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Collier will next appear on January 5, 2026 at 9:00am for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing.
A custody time limit has been set for June 5, 2026.
Chmelevski is expected to face proceedings separately.
News
Woman dies after collision in Tumble as police renew appeal for witnesses
POLICE are appealing for information after a woman died following a collision in Tumble on Tuesday (Dec 2).
Officers were called to Heol y Neuadd at around 5:35pm after a collision involving a maroon Skoda and a pedestrian. The female pedestrian was taken to hospital but sadly died from her injuries.
Dyfed-Powys Police has launched a renewed appeal for witnesses, including anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV footage, or any information that could help the investigation.
Investigators are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have captured the vehicle or the pedestrian on camera shortly before the collision to get in touch. (Phone: 101 Quote reference: DP-20251202-259.)
-
Crime4 days agoDefendant denies using Sudocrem-covered finger to assault two-month-old baby
-
Crime3 days agoPembroke rape investigation dropped – one suspect now facing deportation
-
News3 days agoBaby C trial: Mother breaks down in tears in the witness box
-
Crime22 hours agoProsecution delivers powerful closing speech in Christopher Phillips trial
-
Crime4 days agoLifeboat crew member forced to stand down after being assaulted at Milford pub
-
Crime4 days agoDefendant denies causing injuries to two-month-old baby
-
Crime2 days agoMother admits “terrible idea” to let new partner change her baby’s nappies alone
-
Crime4 days agoPembrokeshire haven master admits endangering life after speedboat collision






tomos
February 24, 2015 at 6:27 pm
poor tessa she doesn’t have a clue does she? Possibly if wales had different times for holidays to England then possibly due to lower demand holidays would be cheaper but will parents want the week before christmas or easter for their hols or when will Pembrokeshire students have Summer? October because if you check holiday prices Sepember is also very expensive?
SM1968
February 25, 2015 at 7:58 am
So Thomas Cook are going to lower holiday prices just because Pembs CC has shifted the half term date by a couple of weeks, another clueless idea by the Council. The school dates work as they are, leave it alone!
Ingrid
March 4, 2015 at 8:56 am
I think this is a step in the right direction – February 2014 I holidayed in a place similar to centre parks – England\’s half term had been week earlier so demand for the week I wanted was less and consequently price was cheaper. We weren\’t overcrowded in pool, and no queues on our visit to Alton towers also.My desire to take my children out of school for a holiday though is not merely driven by price it is about availability – I work in a small team where in order to continue to provide a service there is a strict limit for numbers of staff off at any one time. From jan 2015 through to march 2016 I have only been able to secure one weeks leave which coi-incides with school holidays- I do not believe I should be penalised for wanting the family holiday experience. Bring back the ability to have up to 10 days off so long as it does not clash with exams etc