PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has launched a consultation about proposed changes to the Library Service.

The public is asked for feedback on proposed changes to Milford Haven, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Libraries.

Following a Library Needs Assessment last summer which asked the public about their library needs and about ways to reduce running costs as part of Council-wide savings requirements, it became clear that respondents did not support closing libraries, replacing staff with 24/7 access technology or reducing the book fund.

More support was given to reducing costs by co-locating or downsizing libraries, working with volunteers or reducing opening hours.

Working on the basis of a potential 20% savings requirement for the Library Service, the following changes are proposed:

• Milford Haven Library:  either to relocate the library to a smaller/cheaper premises or establish a Community Managed Partnership at the current library.

A Public Meeting will be held on Monday 3^rd February 2025, starting at 6.30pm at Milford Haven Library to outline how the option to establish a Community Managed partnership would work. All are welcome to attend.

• Pembroke Library: the proposal is to reduce opening hours by eight hours per week.
• Pembroke Dock Library: the proposal is to reduce opening hours by seven hours per week. We are also looking at options to share the library space with a third-party to reduce premises costs.

To take part in the consultations, please follow the links below.

Customers often use more than one library, so please feel free to take part in any / all of the surveys.

• Milford Haven Library Survey
• Pembroke Library Survey
• Pembroke Dock Library Survey

Paper copies of the consultations are available at each of the three libraries.

The paper surveys will remain in place until 5pm, on 17th February 2025, when the consultations will close.

The online survey will also close at the same time.

Should the Library Service savings requirement go up or down from 20% following the Council budget meeting on February 20th, a fresh consultation in relation to any additional or different proposals for change will be made.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “The Library Needs Assessment last year has helped shape the current proposals in a way that avoids library closures and some of the other negative impacts that the respondents told us they were against.

“Given the difficult financial situation impacting the Council we have tried to create proposals that strike a balance that continues to providing a much loved library service while also providing savings.

“Please take the time to fill in the surveys and provide feedback on the proposals ahead of decisions being taken.

“For those who use Milford Haven Library please also take up the opportunity to attend the public meeting on Monday 3^rd February 2025, at 6.30pm.”

THE WELSH Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that Welsh voters could replace misbehaving politicians. 

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds MS has voiced her support for a report that proposes the removal of Senedd members caught breaking the code of conduct.

The code of conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of an MS.

The report, from the Senedd Standards of Conduct Committee includes plans for a referendum style system where voters could decide if an MS who broke the rules should be removed.

Welcoming proposals to remove misbehaving politician’s, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS said that it would be “ a great move for Welsh democracy.”

“This proposal, which would greatly improve the voice of the electorate, will provide us with a platform to make real change.

We’ve already seen how similar measures introduced by Liberal Democrat’s across the UK and in Westminster have strengthened our democracy, Wales cannot be allowed to fall behind. 

As a party we have been pushing for a reform of our political systems so we can bring power back into the hands of Welsh Voters.

The Welsh people deserve to have politicians who hold the best interests of their community to heart. 

Wales is crying out for a change in the way things are being run, which is why more and more people are joining the Welsh Liberal Democrat’s to help make this change a reality.”

A CELEBRATION event brought together 25 community projects that have benefited from more than £1.3million in UK Shared Prosperity Funding in Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire County Council facilitated the development programme for third sector organisations and social enterprises which covered three intervention areas across the County – capital projects, green infrastructure and social action.

The diverse range of projects including community facilities, youth projects, growing sites, environmental awareness action, pet therapy, museums and more.

Project leads came together at HaverHub, Haverfordwest on January 22^nd to celebrate and discuss the outcomes of their work, with the majority having exceeded targets with some breath-taking achievements highlighted.

Some key successes already evidenced include the improvement or creation of around 25,764m² of publicly accessible spaces, 934 community events or activities supported and 2228 volunteering opportunities created/ supported, with final reports still to be submitted.

SPF Communities Coordinator Heidi Holland said: “This network of organisations has strengthened and benefited from opportunities to come together, visit other projects, share good practice and willingness to develop collaborative approaches as a legacy moving forward to impact on future generations.”

Among those at the event were Cilrath Acre, Sandy Bear, Cleddau Project, Milford Haven Maritime and Heritage Museum, West Wales Rivers Trust, Point – Fishguard and Goodwick Youth Project and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member (SPF Lead), said: “It was great to see such a wide range of projects, from right across Pembrokeshire, who have benefited from the SPF Communities Funding. SPF funding will re-launch in April 2025 and we look forward to being able to support more organisations across the county delivering meaningful improvements in their communities.”