Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

No denial on Penally ‘migrant camp’ plan

Published

on

Penally camp: Soon to welcome asylum seekers?

Penally camp: Soon to welcome asylum seekers?

THE HOME OFFICE was neither able to confirm or deny information that had been obtained by The Herald that Penally Training Camp is the subject of a potential change of usage from a training centre for military personnel to a holding centre for up to 1000 migrants who are waiting to be granted asylum in the UK. 

The Herald has received information from a senior source within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) that the camp is to be used as a reception centre for illegal immigrants and asylum seekers, with the hope of housing up to 1000 people at the camp until they are granted asylum and found homes in this, or other areas of the UK.

“The camp is subject to discussions to be turned into a ‘holding centre’ for migrants who are entering the UK. This would be a non-permanent home for the residents and they would be moved on when their applications had been processed.

“I have grave concerns about this, as the camp would require a huge amount of work doing to it to be able to contain these people securely until they are granted asylum.

“In Calais at the moment they are using the ‘Ring of Steel’ that was deployed around the Celtic Manor during the NATO summit in 2014. The current security at Penally is nothing like this.”

When posed the question “Has the Army Training Camp at Penally, Pembrokeshire been subject to discussions or plans as to a change of usage to become a migrant holding centre for up to 1000 people, and if so, when would these changes take place?” the MOD was unable to comment and referred the matter to the Home Office who returned with the reply:

“No decisions have been taken about the future of this site”

The reply neither confirms nor denies that the camp is to change to a reception centre for up to 1000 migrants, and implies that it is under discussion as a potential asylum site.

If it were to be true it would be the largest asylum centre of its kind in the UK. Currently there are 11 immigration centres throughout England and Scotland but none in Wales; Harmondsworth in Middlesex is currently the biggest with a capacity of 615.

In December 2015 the government shelved plans to house up to 1,500 migrants at a huge centre near the village of Littleton-upon-Severn in Gloucestershire after a barrage of complaints from local residents, many of which were worried it could interfere with village life.

In September 2015 David Cameron announced that the UK would accept up to 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next five years saying that the UK had a ‘moral responsibility’ to those living in camps near the border of Syria. Though opposition parties claimed that the UK should do more, with France taking 24,000 refugees over the next two years, attacked the number as being insufficient.

At the time of going to press The Herald was receiving fresh information and will continue to investigate.

[metaslider id=22072]

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. john langford

    March 3, 2016 at 11:20 pm

    i Drove past the Penally army camp this morning and Mod has just removed the artillery gun and missile from the front gate of the army camp. So they must be changing use of the camp. and there is now a lot of blue rubbish bins been put in to the camp. as a person how has lived in the village all his life, i want to now if the mod is going to compensate the businesses for loss of trade nor merely from the troops how support the village, but for the loss of tourism when people find out the is a camp full of migrant in the village,and as the village is manly older people who will be worried about they safety of there homes. what is the mod going to do to supervise the camp safety,

  2. Lynne Galliford

    March 4, 2016 at 2:11 pm

    In fact I am not racist at all but as I have nothing against them. What do you know about these people could they be Isis terrorist, rapist pickpockets or murderes, do they have police record etc it what we need to check very carefully. They should have ask us local people first about how we feel about them. As I do know it will effect the area.

  3. TURKS

    March 8, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    This is where my work will begin…mark my words this can only end very badly for Europe. We will see how crime statistics change in the next few yes along with other significant social statistics.

    I will be there video camera in toe…lets see how many of these people are families and how many are young single fit strong males most of which will actually be economic migrants and most likely no more Syrian than I.

    And I don’t give a feck if the liberal Arseholes encouraging this insanity want to call me racist….that tactic no longer works. My daughters future and my duty to ensure she inherits a safe place to live with an open and tolerant society, able to enjoy the customs and traditions I was lucky to experience far out ways any fears of liberal attacks of being called racist.

    Although I’m not quite sure when Islam was declared a race

  4. NIMBY

    March 18, 2016 at 10:06 am

    @ TURKS:
    typical small village mentality. no sense of sympathy or compassion for a fellow human being.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community

Paddle-out protest sees 200 take to the water in Broad Haven

Published

on

National day of action calls out sewage pollution across the UK

BROAD HAVEN was the scene of a dramatic demonstration on Saturday (May 17) as around 200 swimmers, surfers, and paddleboarders took to the sea in protest against sewage pollution.

The “Paddle Out Protest” was part of a nationwide campaign coordinated by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), with similar events taking place at over 40 coastal locations across the UK. It marked a growing wave of public anger over sewage discharges into rivers and bathing waters.

In Pembrokeshire, the Broad Haven protest was the flagship event for Wales. Campaigners gathered on the beach from midday, taking part in placard-making and a community beach clean before heading into the water at around 2:30pm for a mass paddle-out.

Organisers said the message was clear: enough is enough.

“This is about protecting our beaches, our wildlife, and our health,” said Kate Beardsmore, one of the local organisers. “We’re not just making noise – we’re demanding accountability from the water companies and from the government.”

Speakers at the event included Sian Richardson, founder of the Bluetits cold-water swimming movement, and Sue Burton, Marine Conservation Officer for Pembrokeshire. Both stressed the importance of clean water for local communities and the wider ecosystem.

The event ended with live music, food, and speeches at Rwts, formerly Sunshine Italian, overlooking the bay.

The protest comes amid growing scrutiny of the UK’s water companies, which have faced criticism for repeated sewage discharges and underinvestment in infrastructure.

Surfers Against Sewage say that public pressure is having an impact, but warned that without continued action, nothing will change.

Continue Reading

News

Drakeford rebukes council over Welsh education comments as row deepens

Published

on

Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language and Culture says parents should not be questioned on choosing Welsh-medium schools

A ROW over comments made by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader about Welsh-medium education has escalated, following public intervention by Mark Drakeford.

The Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language and Culture said he “could not see any reason” why councils should ask parents why they choose Welsh or English-medium education for their children, directly contradicting comments made by Cllr Paul Miller during a Cabinet meeting on April 28.

Speaking to BBC Cymru, Mr Drakeford said: “I can’t see why we would ask parents why they choose Welsh or why they choose English. Of course we must explain to parents the benefits of a Welsh-medium education — that’s why we’ve seen growth in the language — but the job of local authorities is to make the case for choosing Welsh-medium education, not to question those who do.”

Cllr Huw Murphy

Mr Drakeford confirmed that a conversation had already taken place locally between the First Minister and figures involved in the row. BBC Cymru reported that the discussion followed remarks by Cllr Miller, who had suggested that some parents might be choosing schools such as Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest not because of the language of instruction, but because the schools were new and had good facilities.

Cllr Miller’s comments prompted criticism from opposition members, including Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, who successfully requested a formal call-in of the Cabinet decision. That decision had asked education officers to “better understand the drivers of demand” for Welsh-medium education — wording that campaigners and the Welsh Language Commissioner feared could be interpreted as questioning the legitimacy of parental choices.

The Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffydd Jones, also criticised the move, saying: “It is not clear to me why there is a need to question the choices of parents regarding Welsh-medium education in particular.” She added that the approach risked contradicting the Council’s obligations under the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP).

Speaking on social media following the BBC interview with Mr Drakeford, Cllr Murphy said: “Mark Drakeford gives clarity to everyone that I was perfectly correct in calling in the decision of PCC Cabinet in April. I now look forward to Cabinet next week accepting that position and removing any suggestion of gathering additional information as proposed by the Deputy Leader.”

The Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee voted last week to send the Cabinet’s original decision back for review, following concerns over tone and policy alignment. The issue will be reconsidered at the next Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (May 22).

In a further development, it has been highlighted that Pembrokeshire recorded the largest percentage growth in Welsh-medium education of any Welsh county between 2023 and 2024, according to figures released by the Welsh Government.

Cllr Julie Jones, who lives in Tenby and sits on the Cabinet, said: “You should see the growth in Welsh speakers and Welsh-medium education in south Pembrokeshire — it’s fantastic. In 2016 we had around 80 pupils in the first primary in Tenby, and now there are over 200. Everyone seems to be choosing Welsh-medium in the south of the county.”

The row has sparked wider debate about the role of language in education policy and how councils communicate their strategies to the public. The Welsh Government has set a target of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050 and has passed legislation to strengthen the provision and planning of Welsh-medium education across Wales.

Pembrokeshire County Council, like all local authorities, has a statutory duty to proactively promote Welsh-medium provision under the latest WESP regulations. The Council’s revised position on how it gathers information from parents — and how it communicates its goals — will be under close scrutiny when the matter returns to Cabinet this week.

Continue Reading

Business

Plan to rescue Oakwood revealed as local man makes bid to save park

Published

on

A PEMBROKESHIRE resident has launched a bold rescue plan to bring Oakwood Theme Park back to life — just two months after its shock closure was announced.

Oakwood, Wales’ largest theme park, closed its doors suddenly on March 4 after four decades of family fun. The site, owned by Spanish firm Aspro Parks, had faced a sharp decline in visitor numbers and growing financial challenges in recent years.

But now, a new proposal has been submitted by a local group known as Richens Leisure Projects (RLP), which aims to restore Oakwood to its former glory and turn it into a flagship attraction once again.

The man behind the bid, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the project is deeply personal. “I grew up in west Wales,” he told The Herald. “I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. Oakwood wasn’t just a theme park — it was a rite of passage for so many children in Wales. You didn’t just go there. You remembered it.”

RLP says its proposal includes a phased investment plan, promising to repair and update ageing infrastructure, reintroduce popular rides, and generate over 100 seasonal jobs in the local economy.

“This isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about rebuilding pride. It’s about giving today’s kids the same memories we had, but doing it with proper community backing and long-term thinking,” the group said.

Since its closure, Oakwood has been stripped of several well-known attractions, and the future of the site remains unclear. However, the new bid aims to change that, and discussions with Aspro Parks have been initiated.

“We’re not here to pressure anyone,” RLP said. “We’re trying to do things properly and respectfully. But if the park’s future is undecided, we’re ready to step in. What we’ve put forward isn’t just an idea — it’s a fully costed, deliverable plan that can begin immediately if given the green light.”

Asked about funding, the group said it would not disclose specific backers at this stage due to the uncertain ownership position. However, it claims the business case is robust and based on professional financial modelling.

The campaign has already attracted support from local residents, many of whom were shocked by the park’s closure. A petition launched just days after the announcement gathered thousands of signatures.

RLP added: “We’ve kept this quiet until now, out of respect for the owners and the park’s legacy. But the time has come to show people that there is a serious option on the table. This doesn’t have to be the end for Oakwood — it can be the start of something new.”

The Herald contacted Aspro Parks for comment but had received no response at the time of going to press.

Background

Oakwood Theme Park first opened in 1987 as a small family attraction before expanding dramatically during the 1990s and early 2000s. It was home to popular rides including Megafobia, Hydro, and Speed, and welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors each year at its peak.

In recent years, however, the park faced growing criticism over ageing infrastructure, rising prices, and the closure of key attractions. In March this year, its owners confirmed that keeping the park open was no longer viable.

Whether the new rescue plan will be accepted remains to be seen — but for many in Pembrokeshire, it offers a glimmer of hope that the thrills and laughter of Oakwood might one day return.

Continue Reading

Community5 hours ago

Paddle-out protest sees 200 take to the water in Broad Haven

National day of action calls out sewage pollution across the UK BROAD HAVEN was the scene of a dramatic demonstration...

Community11 hours ago

Hundreds turn out for Battle of Goodwick Moor reenactment

Community celebrates Pembrokeshire’s medieval heritage with spectacular living history event GOODWICK Moor was transformed into a living battlefield on Saturday...

Community16 hours ago

Hundreds gather in Narberth for colourful Eisteddfod parade and proclamation ceremony

Sun shines on town as Gorsedd of Bards declares 2026 Eisteddfod plans CROWDS lined the streets of Narberth on Saturday...

News1 day ago

Police search Bramble Hall Farm in major operation

Landowner says man fled across fields as woman arrested A LARGE police presence was reported at Bramble Hall Farm in...

News2 days ago

Man arrested after three-car crash on A40 near Haverfordwest

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving following a three-vehicle collision on the A40 near Haverfordwest....

News3 days ago

Paddleboarders rescued off Pembrokeshire coast after being blown out to sea

Little and Broad Haven lifeboat crew locate duo near Druidston after emergency 999 call TWO young paddleboarders were rescued off...

Business3 days ago

Skilled labour crisis hits Pembrokeshire’s fishing fleet, warns new national report

Not one Welsh skipper rated crew availability as ‘good’ in Seafish 2024 survey PEMBROKESHIRE’S fishing industry is facing a critical...

News3 days ago

Council’s Deputy Leader doubles down in Welsh language row

THE DEPUTY LEADER of Pembrokeshire County Council has defended the Cabinet from claims it is “anti-Welsh”.Cllr Paul Miller’s remark came...

Business3 days ago

Withyhedge landfill operator seeks to increase waste limit by 50,000 tonnes

Campaigners call for permit reduction instead, warning trust has been “shredded” THE COMPANY behind Pembrokeshire’s controversial Withyhedge landfill site has...

News4 days ago

Sad farewell to Folly Farm’s majestic Lion, Hugo

Folly Farm has announced the heartbreaking loss of one of its most iconic residents, Hugo the African lion, who passed...

Popular This Week