News

Concerns over Tenby Museum’s future

Published

10 years ago

February 23, 2016

Tenby Museum and Art Gallery: At risk of closure

TENBY Museum and Art Gallery has received cross-party support from local AM’s after it emerged this week that it is facing closure due to local authority budget cuts.

The museum anticipates that the Local Authority funding will be nil or close to nil in future years. Tenby Museum is a successful tourist attraction with over 17000 visitors last year.

The Museum is an independent charitable trust and has been open in the town since the 1870s.

Among its many interesting displays and attractions is a recently updated gallery telling the fascinating story of Tenby from prehistory to modern times – including piratical legends and its involvement with the D-Day Landings.

The museum has won many awards over the years and recently the museum’s permanent art collection has been ranked at Number 6 in the Top 20 in Wales.

Every effort is being made by the Trustees to keep this important Pembrokeshire museum open and among the actions taken is a reduction in staff costs and a review of the admission charge.

The adult admission ticket, which is valid for one year after purchase, is a valuable stream of income; shop sales, the Friends organisation and commission from Art sales complement this. Accompanied children are welcomed free of charge at all times.

County Councillor Michael Williams, Chair of the Trustees, said; “The small admission charge keeps over 100,000 artefacts in good order. By regularly changing displays Tenby Museum is always constantly surprising local and tourist visitors. It is a special place with activities for the whole family and we believe that a visit to the museum and its galleries is Truly Memorable, Totally Magical. It would be a tragedy should it have to close.”

Plaid Cymru’s Simon Thomas immediately tabled a question to the Minister responsible for museums in Wales when he heard about the possible cut in funding to the museum by Pembrokeshire Council.

Party of Wales Assembly Member Simon Thomas said:

“I asked a question at the National Assembly for support for independent museums in Wales, such as the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

“The museum expects a massive cut in the money from Pembrokeshire Council. The museum is important for tourism in Tenby. The resource should be protected as a jewel in the crown of the town.

“Plaid Cymru will be asking people to support the campaign to keep the museum on Saturday when my team hold a street surgery in the town centre.”

His concerns were echoed by Angela Burns, the Conservative Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, who has already met with Museum officials and has questioned Pembrokeshire Council officials as to whether the cuts are disproportionately affecting Tenby, with the Avenue Centre also facing closure:

“I have met with representatives of Tenby Museum and was surprised to learn of the scale of the cuts that Tenby Museum is being asked to absorb over the next few years and I have asked Pembrokeshire County Council to review the situation in order to ensure the proposals are not disproportionately affecting Tenby. I have also requested information on the cuts the museum services face across the county again because I want reassurance that areas such as museums, libraries and leisure facilities are not seen as an easy touch in comparison to the challenges of providing social care or education.

I hope that at my next meeting with the museum’s trustees I will be able to offer some possible alternative funding sources for them to apply too. Of course a key component in meeting the yearly costs are admission fees and in the rush of a busy life it’s very easy to forget about these gems such as Tenby and Narberth museums that are right on our doorstep. So I will also be suggesting ways of drawing more support from locals and tourists alike to keep these lovely places open”.

William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales was equally concerned, stressing that it is important that future generations have an opportunity to discover Tenby’s unique history:

‘Tenby Museum and Art Gallery is in a real sense a Pembrokeshire gem – and I am very concerned indeed to hear that its’ future is in peril. The Tenby Museum Trustees have been proactive over the years in developing the attraction and have sought to build its sustainability, with revenue generated from the museum shop, art sales and admission fees.’

‘It is no secret that local authorities in Wales are under real budgetary pressure in the current fiscal climate, with austerity cuts coming down the track from Westminster. In this context, the Trustees are right to be alert to the danger of Pembrokeshire Council reducing its’ support. Whilst the Museum’s existing Service Level Agreement SLA does have another year to run, and the lease on the building continues for some time, it is timely for the Trustees to be reviewing the basis of the Museum and Gallery’s business model.’

‘Just as is the case with the threat to the Avenue Centre in Tenby, which I raised last week in the National Assembly with the Minister for Public Services, Leighton Andrews, AM, Tenby Museum and Gallery is an important part of community life in Tenby. I shall be attending the meeting on the Avenue Centre next week, with my friend and fellow Lib Dem campaigner, Alistair Cameron, our candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. I shall also be seeking a meeting with the Museum Trustees, to explore ways in which I may be able to assist. It is imperative that Tenby Museum is safeguarded for generations to come.’

You can help Tenby Museum and Art Gallery to stay open by purchasing a ticket to view their vast collection. All tickets purchased are valid for a year, and with the displays and collections regularly changing, it is great value for money.

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

6 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

6 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.