News

The Herald: Our top 10 stories of 2013

Published

12 years ago

January 6, 2014

IT has been exhilarating, exhausting, exasperating and a lot else besides. But here we are at our first Christmas as a new newspaper and it falls to the Assistant Editor to look back at the stories we have covered and the way we have covered them.

Whether it has been jam, Jerusalem or something harder edged we have tried to cover events in Pembrokeshire in our own voice and in our own way. There have been missteps and mistakes along the way, but we have tried to learn from those and get on with reporting real news and the real stories behind them.

We think our readers deserve to be both informed and entertained. We hope they have been both. As for education, we would not presume.

So in order to keep our readers informed and entertained over the Christmas and New Year period we have looked back (guess which column I write) at what we have covered and produced our top ten stories.

10. ‘Disgust’ at historic building sell-off plans.

IT WAS back in our first edition that we led with the story of how Pembrokeshire County Council was looking to rid itself of Barnard’s Tower, Pembroke; Lydstep Palace, Lydstep; the Pater Church Tower, Pembroke Dock. Reaction to the news was a mixture of bemusement and outrage. Local councillors were appalled that they had not been consulted about the planned sell off and questioned who would buy the listed buildings and to what purpose they could be placed by the purchaser. Since placing the properties on the market, the Council has given no indication as to what commercial bids have been received for the properties or who has expressed an interest in acquiring the ancient sites.

With the Council looking to realise a significant amount of its building stock over the next few years, it will be hoping that a kindly buyer will take these buildings off their hands with the minimum of fuss and avoid any further public outcry.

The deadline for expressions of interest in any of the properties is 10th January 2014, so early in the new year we can expect white smoke to billow from the towers of County Hall when the Council announces whether or not it has found a buyer willing to take on Pembrokeshire’s heritage.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s disposal of assets is not, however, limited to its older assets. Currently shown as up for grabs are properties scattered about the County, including 2 Barn Street Haverfordwest (up for auction on 19th February 2014); development land at Clarbeston Road; Pentlepoir school, which is ear-marked for housing development; and Fishguard junior school, with planning for a supermarket.

Not listed as up for grabs, of course, is Haverfordwest Castle. The Council has wisely decided to settle the outstanding battle as to the site’s Town green status while their favoured developer stands by, ready to step in if the Council is successful in overturning local objections.

9. Horse neglect ‘worst ever seen’ says RSPCA officer

A STORY which got a strong reaction from our readers was the conviction of Maenclochog farmer Gwilym Gilmour Thomas for offences of cruelty to animals. Our reporter, James Hemingwray, was in court as a series of graphic and distressing images were shown to demonstrate the extent and gravity of the charges facing Thomas in our October 25 issue.

Prosecutor Jon Tarrant told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court that this was the worst case of neglect of horses the RSPCA officer concerned had ever seen. Three horses were discovered in an emaciated and distressed condition, one of which was subsequently put down, another horse had died in the few days before the officer’s visit to the farm.

The farmer was handed a suspended sentence of one year ’s imprisonment, banned from keeping horses for five years and ordered to undertake 300 hours of community work.

8. It’s a “Yes”

THAT is how the Herald broke the news of County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the construction of a new Sainsbury’s supermarket to the north of Thomas Parry Way, Haverfordwest. The large development is scheduled to include a petrol station and sewage plant. The flagship store is a £30m development in and of itself and the whole plan includes permission for 729 new houses, including 180 ‘affordable’ homes.

In a report prepared by one of the Council’s own officers the meeting was told that it was likely that existing shops in the town centre would close and that the plans conflicted with the policy to protect retail provision in town centres. The massive development, for good or ill, was overwhelmingly endorsed by the planning committee’s members.

7. Neyland’s bumper season

NOT ONE story here, but three: Neyland Cricket Club’s first eleven managed to lift the three premier trophies in Pembrokeshire cricket. A compelling season saw Carew Cricket Club fight its way out of an unaccustomed spot in the relegation places to near the top of the first division table while Neyland swept all in front of them aside to seize the treble. The Duggie Morris Cup, Harrison-Allen Bowl and First Division crowns all fell to Neyland, with Llangwm runners-up in the cup competitions.

Led astutely by skipper Greg Miller, Neyland turned in the type of consistent and tough-minded performances that enabled them to keep going as their challengers flared and then faded as the long cricket season progressed.

Unlike teams who pilfer their talent from clubs around them, the Neyland team is built around players who have developed together and know each other’s games well. It is perhaps this cohesiveness that enabled them to knuckle down in tight finishes and get the maximum reward for their collective efforts.

6. Council’s rubbish plan goes ahead

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council’s finally moved to fortnightly collections in respect of domestic waste. The plans met with almost universal disapproval, even as the Council spent £15,000 of council tax-payers’ money publicising their scheme and prayed in aid pressure from Cardiff Bay to hit exacting recycling targets.

While the Council estimated that the plan would save £500,000 a year in costs, it refused a request to consider reimbursing those Council Tax payers who had forked out in advance for the weekly service as part of their annual bills.

Cllr Huw George advised those with a large amount of black bag waste accumulating between fortnightly collections to drive to their nearest civic amenity site and dump their rubbish there.

Our report also contained the statement by Labour party councillors that the situation would be monitored with an expectation that it would be ‘working’ in six months’ time. Bearing in mind the upheaval to collections around the Christmas period, when more household waste will accumulate, we can only wait to see exactly what such monitoring reveals.

Education

Last stand to save Ysgol Clydau as village launches fresh fightback

Published

41 minutes ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners say this is now the crucial stage in the battle to stop the closure of the rural Tegryn school, with every formal objection required to be logged and answered before a final council decision.

THE BATTLE to save Ysgol Clydau has entered its most critical stage, with campaigners urging residents to lodge formal objections before the May 11 deadline in a last-ditch effort to stop the village school from being shut.

In a fresh appeal posted on Sunday, Save Ysgol Clydau – Cadw Clydau yn Gadarn said the school was “at the heart of our community” and warned supporters that earlier consultation responses do not count at this stage.

The campaign said: “A local school is at the heart of our community. It means less time travelling and more time together, friendships that last a lifetime, and a place where every child feels they belong.

“If you haven’t already, please submit your objection to the closure of Ysgol Clydau – previous responses do not count, and every single objection must be recorded and answered.”

That message marks a new phase in the fight over the future of the Tegryn school, after Pembrokeshire County Council formally published its statutory notice to discontinue Ysgol Clydau from Aug 31, 2026.

Under the proposal, the school’s catchment area would transfer to Ysgol Bro Preseli from Sept 1, 2026, if councillors approve the closure.

The issue is already highly charged. Members of Pembrokeshire County Council voted by the narrowest of margins in March to move the closure process forward, with the proposal passing by just one vote.

That slim majority has emboldened campaigners, who believe there is still everything to fight for if enough people object during the formal notice period.

The council says the closure is the most appropriate response because of surplus places, concerns over the condition of the buildings, the long-term sustainability of education in the Preseli area, and value for money.

But for families and supporters in Tegryn, the argument is not simply about budgets or buildings.

They say the loss of Ysgol Clydau would strike at the heart of the community, forcing young children to travel further, weakening local ties, and removing a school that many see as central to village life.

Campaigners are also likely to point to the fact that Ysgol Clydau is a rural school, a category that carries added significance in school reorganisation cases in Wales.

The school’s supporters argue that once a rural school is lost, the wider damage can stretch far beyond the classroom, affecting the Welsh language, village identity, and the long-term future of the community itself.

That argument is strengthened by the school’s recent reputation. Ysgol Clydau has been described by inspectors as a happy, caring and welcoming community, with pupils feeling safe and supported.

For opponents of closure, that raises an obvious question: why shut a school that is valued by its children and families?

The latest Facebook appeal makes clear that campaigners now see the statutory objection process as the decisive battleground.

Supporters are being told to email [email protected] or write to County Hall before May 11, with campaigners stressing that each objection must be formally considered and answered.

The final decision is expected to return to councillors in June, setting up what could be a dramatic showdown over the future of one of Pembrokeshire’s rural schools.

For now, the message from Tegryn is simple: this is the stage that counts, and the fight to save Ysgol Clydau is far from over.

Local Government

Haverfordwest faces weeks of road disruption as resurfacing works roll on

Published

1 hour ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Closures, temporary lights and phased schemes across key routes are set to affect drivers, businesses and town-centre traffic into May

DRIVERS in Haverfordwest are facing weeks of disruption as a programme of resurfacing works hits key roads in and around the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s roadworks listings show temporary traffic lights on Haven Road and Portfield from Tuesday, April 22 to Tuesday, April 29 as resurfacing work is carried out. At the same time, motorists are already dealing with delays on Main Street, where temporary lights have been in place since March 25 because of a dangerous structure.

Town council information also shows High Street is due to close for two days from Saturday, April 25, adding to concerns about congestion in the town centre and disruption for shoppers, businesses and local traffic.

And the disruption is not expected to end there. Further resurfacing works are also planned at Merlins Hill, Winch Lane and St Thomas Green during the weeks that follow, meaning drivers could face a rolling programme of delays into May.

The works form part of the council’s annual road maintenance programme and come after Pembrokeshire County Council said its newly approved 2026-27 budget would direct extra funding towards front-line services including road repairs, gully clearing and highway maintenance.

While many motorists will welcome smoother and safer road surfaces in the longer term, the timing is likely to frustrate residents and businesses already coping with traffic issues in Haverfordwest. With several schemes either under way or imminent, the impact could be felt well beyond the roads directly affected as drivers look for alternative routes.

The overlap between resurfacing works and existing restrictions is likely to increase pressure on surrounding roads, particularly at busy times of day and as spring visitor numbers begin to rise. Businesses in the town centre may also be concerned that closures and delays could affect trade.

Motorists are being urged to allow extra time for journeys and to check for updated traffic information before travelling.

News

Last chance to register for Senedd election

Published

1 hour ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire voters have until 11:59pm on Monday (Apr 20) to make sure they can take part in the historic May 7 poll in the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency.

PEMBROKESHIRE residents who have not yet registered to vote have only hours left to make sure they can take part in the 2026 Senedd election, with the deadline set for 11:59pm on Monday (Apr 20). The election itself takes place on Thursday, May 7, with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm.

Registering online through GOV.UK usually takes about five minutes. Voters are normally asked for their National Insurance number, but people can still register if they do not have one. Anyone who has changed address, name or nationality must register again using their new details.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that voters in the county will cast their ballots in the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency. This election marks a major change for Wales, with the Senedd increasing from 60 to 96 Members, the creation of 16 new constituencies, and six Members being elected in each one.

The voting system is also changing. Voters will now have one vote for a political party or an independent candidate. Under the closed list system, parties rank their candidates in advance, and seats are allocated after the votes are counted.

Voters in Wales do not need photo ID to vote in person at Senedd elections. People aged 16 and over can vote in the Senedd election if they are properly registered and meet the nationality and residency rules, including British and Irish citizens and qualifying Commonwealth, EU and foreign citizens living in Wales.

There are further deadlines close behind. Applications for a postal vote, or a postal proxy vote, must be in by 5pm on Tuesday (Apr 21), while ordinary proxy vote applications close at 5pm on Tuesday (Apr 28).

Disabled voters are entitled to support at polling stations, with measures such as ramps, low-level booths, pencil grips and seating expected to be available where needed. Voters can also bring their own aids, such as a magnifier or text-to-speech app, and assistance animals are welcome.

For anyone still unsure, Pembrokeshire County Council says the Ceredigion Penfro Constituency Returning Officer can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01545 570881.