News

Extraordinary meeting to discuss fate of three Angle peninsula schools

Published

10 years ago

January 12, 2016

File photo: Angle school

THREE schools in the Angle Peninsula have been threatened with closure and are expected to get the final decision at a special council meeting which will be held on Thursday, January 14.

A report before an extraordinary meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council by the Director for Children and Schools Kate Evan-Hughes recommends that Angle VC, Orielton CP and Stackpole VC schools should be closed, and replaced by a new English medium VC school for ages 3-11 in the peninsula.

The recommendation to discontinue the three schools follows a PCC decision to authorise statutory consultation on the proposal which lasted 6 weeks from September to mid October.

The report for councillors published that: “Surplus places in the Angle Peninsula are a cause for concern and represent one of the key elements of a case for change,” adding: “Currently there are 40 per cent surplus places across the schools on the peninsula. Surplus places cost money because schools have to run and maintain buildings that are bigger than they need to be.”

All three schools which are currently led by one headteacher, have a higher cost per pupil than the county average. The report states: “The cost per pupil is currently £5,958 for angle, £4,478 for Orielton, and £4,700 for Stackpole against a county-wide average of £3,615.”

It also makes reference to the current condition of the schools, stating: “The condition of the Angle School buildings, in the ownership of the St David’s Diocesan Board, is described as C-Poor, with Stackpole B-Satisfactory and C-Poor, while Orielton is graded as C-Poor and D-Bad.”

The favoured location for the proposed new 120-pupil capacity school is located across the road from the current Orielton CP School in Hundleton, on land south of The Elms, over 7-miles away from the current locations of Angle school.

A public consultation was held at Pembroke Town Hall on September 28, on the matter which was attended by 50 people. A total of 380 responses were received on the consultation, with 67 per cent of those responding supporting the proposal.

Concerns have been raised with regards to the peninsula’s roads which in the winter can be extremely hazardous, also that people might be drawn away from towns like Angle which will then lose their community feel and become more like “holiday/retirement villages”.

Concerns have been raised about the millions of pounds the proposed new school would cost, which would be jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council.

Another response said: “For the people who will have to live with the consequences of your proposed school closures, the idea of a large school that is not the centre of any community is more than unappealing, it is saddening.”

Crime

Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl

Published

20 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027

A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.

Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.

The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.

Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.

Crime

Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Staff Writer

Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.

Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.

Local Government

Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.

The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.

Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.

The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.