News

Controversial school plans for Haverfordwest approved

Published

9 years ago

March 8, 2016

County Hall

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has voted in favour of building a new 11-16 school in Haverfordwest.

In a vote taken at the Extraordinary Council meeting on Thursday, February 25, the proposals were passed by 28 votes to 22.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said the council was in a ‘last chance saloon’ and that time was against them to deliver a new school for Haverfordwest.

He added: “I struggle to believe that amalgamation will create better results.”

Cllr Mike Edwards said: “I cannot understand how we are looking for an 11- 19 school in some areas. This is so unfair to the children of Haverfordwest.”

The leader responded: “What would be different to what we currently have? The two schools are performing below par. What would change if we put the two schools together and suddenly expect results to improve? It is not clear what would deliver that improvement.”

Cllr David Lloyd said: “There have been 30 years of neglect, it is time to change, this is now the time. I am of the conviction that what we have is an amazingly exciting project. This is too amazing an opportunity to pass up.”

Speaking for the first time on the matter, Cllr Peter Stock talked about the need to create a state of the art 11-19 school that was fit for the 21st century and making sure our children has got the best possible education for the future.

Cllr David Howlett said: “I don’t react well to being threatened. Choice is very important in all public services.”

He also highlighted the letter from the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Education which indicated a preference.

Cllr Howlett added: “What is the point of consultation when we are given a steer like this. There is no point in going to consultation when we have a steer that this is the preferred option and I don’t know why we are here.”

Cllr Jonathan Nutting highlighted that the council had made a decision to amalgamate schools in Angle to try and improve results and questioned the leaders’ comments.

Cllr Reg Owens said there had been a ‘great deal of scaremongering’ from the Cabinet member for Education Susan Perkins and from the leader.

Cllr Ken Rowlands suggested that the parents were putting ideas into the children’s heads and that they would express a view that wasn’t theirs.

Responding to that comment, Cllr Jacob Williams said that Cllr Rowlands had insulted the intelligence of the children.

He added: “I have never been more strongly of the opinion that Haverfordwest is in danger of losing 21st century funding entirely. We are in a last chance saloon but look at the time that has been wasted.

“Whether or not this project goes ahead, it is not the Trust’s doing that we are in this position.”

Cllr Stan Hudson highlighted that 72% of people were in favour of an 11-19 schools and of the 4000 letters that were received, that represented 2800 in favour.

He said: “Did we listen? No, we ignored them and a recommendation for an 11-16 school has been advanced. Who are the faceless people that put these ideas forward?”

Cllr Mike Evans challenged the Haverfordwest members who had not done so to speak up on the matter and added that the whole plan has been a mess from the beginning.

Cllr Mike John said he felt his back was against the wall because of the timescales and that he was minded to go with the proposals.

Cllr Mike Stoddart said that school standards were delivered by effective leadership and teaching and also called out the current and former Cabinet Members for Education for their mediocrity in their role.

Cllr Steve Yelland, a governor for Tasker Millward School, said that he was a firm believer in choice and although he didn’t want to lose funding he could not support the proposals.

A recorded vote was called for with 28 voting in favour and 22 voting against.

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

33 mins ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.

From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”