News
Council ‘got it wrong’ over Avenue Centre

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’s Director of Social Services and Leisure Pam Marsden has said they got it wrong over the council’s decision to go out consultation on the future of the Tenby SAC.
At a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on March 14 it was announced that no decision would be made on the future of Tenby SAC.
Speaking at the Older Persons Health and Well-being Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, March 24, the Director of Social Services and Leisure Pam Marsden said: “We always said consult on future options but that was immediately translated as it was going to close.
“The message was very loud and clear that we weren’t listening, it will close, you’ve made your decision, you’ve picked on Tenby unfairly and we couldn’t get past that.
“We’ve learnt a lot from this consultation and this has been very useful to us. We absolutely need to make sure that we work with the families and the users of the centres going forward.
“It was incredibly hostile and we obviously got it wrong.”
The committee were given a presentation from Pembrokeshire People First who were commissioned to deliver the council’s consultation.
Councillors were shown pictures and videos of those who use the centre who stated that they did not want to the centre to close.
Josie Robins from Pembrokeshire People First told the committee: “Without exception people expressed their feelings that the Centre should remain open. It appeared that customers, parents/carers and support staff were frustrated by the lack of clear options that could happen if the Centre closes. If some real alternatives were offered and accessibly articulated, this could go a long way to soothing the understandably emotional response that is currently being experienced.”
Josie added that there was a strong sense among those who used the centre that it was going to close and that some couldn’t imagine what they would do if the Avenue Centre wasn’t there.
It was also highlighted that it was not the building that was important to the users but the friendships and the staff they had at the centre.
Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “This consultation has caused an awful lot of anguish and upset for users of the centre and their families.
“How do the people of the centre feel going forward? We’re still in limbo because this decision has been pushed forward, I can see there is still going to be anxiety and uncertainty for some time to come.”
Karen Chandler from Pembrokeshire People First added that although it was a temporary reprieve there was still a huge amount of anxiety.
Crime
Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.
Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.
She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.
Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.
The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Business
Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.
High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.
To enter the competition, participants must:
- Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
- Like the competition post
- Comment with their favourite Welsh word
The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.
For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Community
Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.
Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.
Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.
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