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Haverfordwest: Council halts schools consultation

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Schools protest earlier this year at County Hall

Schools protest earlier this year at County Hall

AMID a swirl of rumour and counter-rumour, The Herald is able to confirm that the future of secondary education in Haverfordwest remains in doubt.

The Herald received a tip off on Wednesday (Nov 18) that Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) was considering its position in respect of continuing the consultation.

On checking with others and a reliable source at County Hall, we asked PCC to confirm what was happening.

Just before our deadline, we received a response from County Hall.

The statement was brief and to the point: ‘Pembrokeshire County Council can confirm that the Director for Children and Schools, Kate Evan-Hughes, will recommend to a meeting of Extraordinary Council next Thursday (Nov 26) that the current consultation on a review of secondary education in Haverfordwest is to be discontinued’.

The Herald is aware that the solicitor acting for the trustees of the Tasker-Milward & Picton Charity has lately been in correspondence with PCC and it’s solicitors, Messrs Geldards of Cardiff. Stephen Hill, of Price and Son Haverfordwest, has pointed out flaws in the way PCC has conducted itself both in the original consultation and during its attempt to rectify the errors made in that process by launching a second consultation.

The Herald also understands that key consultation documents were not circulated to either St Mark’s School or Tasker-Milward School as required by the Welsh Government.

The turn of events is a major embarrassment to PCC and its Head of Education, both of whom have spent considerable time and money pursuing the PCC’s objectives.

In March Jamie Adams told County Councillors that any delay in progressing the schools consultation would be fatal to the PCC’s plans. There have now been two resets of the process thanks to PCC blunders in handling it.

The Director for Children and Schools is to recommend to a meeting of Extraordinary Council next Thursday (Nov 26) that the current consultation on a review of secondary education in Haverfordwest is discontinued.

Kate Evan-Hughes will put forward slightly modified proposals to Councillors and recommend that they approve the launch of a new consultation on those proposals.

She will also inform Councillors that the procedure followed in relation to the statutory consultation is considered to be challengeable, and that it is advisable to discontinue statutory consultation and recommence formal consultation with the Trustees of the Tasker Milward and Picton Charity prior to commencing a new consultation.

If the Director’s recommendation is approved by Councillors, this will be the third statutory consultation on secondary education in Haverfordwest.
“We are very aware that this is the third time we are seeking to consult on education in Haverfordwest, but we are determined to get this process absolutely right for the sake of our children’s education,” said Kate.

“As ever, we are very grateful for the public’s input to the process and ask them to persevere with us as we endeavour to get the very best outcome for our schools.”

As a result of the new recommendations to be put to members, the public meetings due to take place in Haverfordwest on the current consultation have been cancelled.

The meetings were due to take place on November 23 and 30 at the Archives. All those who have reserved places are being contacted.

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Keith mcniffe

    November 19, 2015 at 5:41 pm

    How much tax payers money has this cost everyone in Pembrokeshire

  2. Charlie Mapp

    November 19, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    Too be busy discussing how much they can get away with paying themselves to have any time left to actually do anything correctly?

  3. Charlie Mapp

    November 19, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    I think we’ve “persevered” with this shambolic bunch for long enough

  4. Tomos

    November 20, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    they really are a bunch of incompetent time wasters

    They often talk about salary comparisons with industry (the real world)

    In the real world they’d have been kicked out on their a****s years ago

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Community

Kick off the festive season in style at the Riverside Winter Fair

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GET ready to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland as Haverfordwest hosts its inaugural Riverside Winter Fair on Saturday, November 30th.

This free, family-friendly event promises a day of festive cheer with food, arts, crafts, games, music, and a big dose of community spirit.

The festivities will kick off at 11am with the opening of Haverhub’s Winter Market. Visitors can browse a variety of stalls 11am to 5pm, offering unique gifts, crafts, and delicious food.

Alongside the market, Haverfordwest’s Business Circle are hosting a “Taste of Pembrokeshire” food and drink market on Castle Square 11am to 5pm, offering a delicious selection of local produce.

For families with younger children, Fair Play will be hosting a Board Game Sketch Fest at the Edge Youth Centre / Picton Centre from 11am to 5pm. This event will feature a variety of games, activities, and art projects, providing a fun and engaging experience for children of all ages. 

At 12noon children from Haverfordwest’s primary schools will be showing off banners they’ve been making as part of a community arts project, telling the story of the history of their school’s ward area.

They will take part in a vibrant parade led by the South Wales Police Band, marching through the town centre from Swan Square to the Old Quay. Join us at 11:45am on Swan Square to join the parade!

Once the parade reaches the Old Quay, the real fun begins. The main stage will host a variety of performances throughout the day from 12-5pm and Bristol Trader will be hosting an outdoor BBQ and bar for revellers.

Entertainment on the main stage will include a brand-new cantata performed by Fenton School’s children’s choir, the Cantabile Singers of Pembrokeshire, the County Orchestra and the South Wales Police Brass Band.

This captivating performance will tell the story of Haverfordwest’s rich history, drawing inspiration from recent archaeological discoveries.

Following the cantata, local band Sorted will take to the stage, delivering a high-energy performance of Ska and Two-Tone classics. Their energetic and breakneck live sets are guaranteed to get you up on your feet and skanking.

And for the grand finale Pure West Radio Riverside Shopping Haverfordwest will be hosting its annual Christmas Lights Switch On event. The celebrations begin at 12noon, leading up to the grand moment when the town’s Christmas lights illuminate at 6pm. As the town illuminates with festive lights, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky.

For those seeking thrills, there will be fairground rides to enjoy. Thrill-seekers of all ages can experience the excitement of the various rides.

To add to the magic, Santa Claus will be making a special appearance, along with Sparkle the Elf and Friends a Giant Snow Globe and Bouncy Castle!

Artists Neil Musson and Jono Retallick will also be launching their model hot air balloon, a floating gallery and homage to the people of Haverfordwest. Find them floating through the town throughout the day.

The Riverside Winter Fair is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community spirit. Local businesses and volunteers coming together to create a memorable experience for everyone.

Visit the website and sign up to the mailing list for full information delivered to your inbox ahead of the big day: www.riversidewinterfair.co.uk

Programme of events

11am-5pm     Winter Market @ Haverhub

11am-5pm     Taste of Pembrokeshire food and drink market @ Castle Square

11am-5pm     Board Game Sketch Fest @ Picton Centre

11:45am        Banner Parade assembles with South Wales Police Brass Band @ Swan Square

12noon         Children’s Banner Parade from Swan Square to Old Quay

12:10pm       Entertainment on Main Stage @ Old Quay

12-5pm         BBQ and outdoor bar @ The Bristol Trader

12-6pm         Family fun & Entertainment, Pure West Radio @ Riverside shopping Centre

6pm              Switch on of the lights and fireworks display.

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Charity

Pembrokeshire charities shortlisted for Welsh Charity Awards

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THREE Pembrokeshire organisations have been shortlisted for this year’s Welsh Charity Awards, set to take place on Monday (Nov 25) at the National Museum Cardiff.

The event, which coincides with the start of Welsh Charities Week, celebrates the contributions of charities, community groups, and volunteers across Wales. Representing the county are Milford Haven’s Megan’s Starr Foundation and Milford Youth Matters, alongside Narberth-based SPAN Arts.

The awards, organised by WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action), are the only event dedicated to honouring the voluntary sector in Wales. A record 239 nominations were received this year.

Megan’s Starr Foundation

MEGAN’S STARR FOUNDATION, founded by Nicola Harteveld, is nominated in the Health and Wellbeing category, sponsored by Leaderful Action. The charity supports young people in Pembrokeshire facing mental health challenges, providing free counselling, peer support, and skill-building programmes.

The team said: “This nomination celebrates the heart and soul of our work. Every young person, volunteer, and family member who finds hope and belonging at Megan’s Starr is part of this incredible journey.

“Winning would inspire us to dream bigger, support more, and build a stronger, compassionate future together.”

Harteveld was Volunteer of the Year at last year’s awards.

Milford Youth Matters

MILFORD YOUTH MATTERS has been shortlisted for Fundraiser of the Year, co-sponsored by Thomas Carroll and Zurich Municipal. A fundraising team of seven young individuals, aged 15, has raised £10,000 annually through events such as a charity golf day, reshaping perceptions of young people in Milford Haven.

A spokesperson said: “This nomination recognises the dedication and hard work of our team, who have raised vital funds while developing skills and confidence to reach their full potential. We are extremely proud of their commitment.”

SPAN Arts

SPAN ARTS, based in Narberth, is a finalist in the Welsh Language category, sponsored by Mentrau Iaith. The organisation delivers bilingual arts programmes that celebrate community identity, inclusivity, and accessibility.

Director Bethan Touhig-Gamble said: “SPAN is based in an incredible bilingual county, where the Welsh language is part of the shared culture and identity. To have the work of our volunteers, trustees, staff, and creatives recognised is truly rewarding.”

WCVA Chief Executive Lindsay Cordery-Bruce said: “We’re delighted to have had a record number of nominations this year – 239 in total. That’s testimony to the quality work undertaken by volunteers, community groups, and charities across Wales. I couldn’t be more excited to meet the finalists on Monday and find out who’s scooped the top awards.”

The Welsh Charity Awards highlight the difference made by charities and volunteers across the country. For a full list of finalists, visit the Welsh Charity Awards website.

(Cover image: Milford Youth Matters receive a cheque from Tesco)

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News

Body found in search for missing man during Storm Bert

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A BODY has been discovered by police searching for a man who went missing in a river during Storm Bert.

Although formal identification is yet to take place, the family of Brian Perry, 75, has been informed of the discovery.

Mr Perry was reported missing after he was swept away in the River Conwy near Trefriw, Conwy county, around 4:30pm on Saturday. He had been walking with his wife and their dog in an area severely affected by floodwater, North Wales Police said.

Chief Inspector Simon Kneale confirmed that Mr Perry’s family is receiving support from officers. He described the situation as “a particularly difficult time for this gentleman’s family.”

Storm Bert’s impact across Wales

Storm Bert has brought widespread disruption across Wales, with homes and roads submerged under floodwaters and dozens of flood warnings issued. The storm has caused extensive damage, lifting cars off their wheels and leaving communities grappling with its aftermath.

In South Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf council declared a major incident due to severe flooding. Pontypridd has been one of the hardest-hit areas, with residents on Sion Street forced to bail out their homes after floodwaters surged without warning on Sunday morning.

Steve West, a businessman in Pontypridd, described the flooding as overwhelming. “We just have to wait for the water to recede and then help clear out the shops,” he said. Flooding has also been reported on Mill Street, with properties severely affected.

Emergency response and landslides

Rest centres have been established for displaced residents at Ystrad Sports Centre, Pontypridd Library, and Sobell Leisure Centre in Aberdare. Despite the council distributing thousands of sandbags, council leader Andrew Morgan said the intensity of the weather had been “simply overwhelming.”

In addition to flooding, landslides have caused further disruption. The A4106 Bwlch Road between Treorchy and Nantymoel was closed after a landslip scattered debris across the highway. A similar incident in Merthyr Tydfil forced the Brecon Mountain Railway to cancel its special Christmas services.

Power outages and water issues

Over 1,300 properties in South and West Wales were without power on Sunday morning, according to the National Grid. Welsh Water advised more than 10,000 residents in Rhondda Cynon Taf to boil their tap water after identifying quality issues at the Tynywaun water treatment works.

Weather warnings remain in place

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for strong winds across several counties, including Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire, until 9:00pm on Sunday. While the worst of the rain is expected to ease by the afternoon, up to 40mm of rainfall may still affect some areas, particularly over higher ground.

As Wales begins to recover from the devastation caused by Storm Bert, emergency services and communities continue their efforts to address the extensive damage left in its wake.

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