News
Councillors given new school plan
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (PCC) met with members of Estyn this week (Oct 11) for a confidential seminar on the future of secondary school education provision in Pembrokeshire.
Just months after councillors voted against the proposed plans to reorganise Pembrokeshire’s secondary school structure in May this year, plans for a new sixth form provision in the county have surfaced once again.
A major aspect of the newly proposed plans include an 11-19 school to be sited in Haverfordwest – this is in addition to the 3-16 Welsh medium school which will be sited at Withybush, Haverfordwest.
The specific site of the new secondary school is still unknown; there is several in contention, including the site of Tasker Milward, Sir Thomas Picton, or a new site entirely. Also discussed as a possibility was a split site; however, this is now increasingly unlikely.
The new school will feature sixth form provision with ‘delivery to be in line with any future arrangements for Pembrokeshire’.
Three smaller 11-19 schools to be sited in Milford Haven, Greenhill and Pembroke also feature in the newly proposed plans. The current school of Pembroke had been hoping for a new vocational centre as an off-shoot of Pembrokeshire College; however, decisions taken by PCC in July have likely brought such plans to a close.
Presenting at the seminar, Director for Children and Schools Kate Evans-Hughes also stated the need for a ‘revised federation model’ for secondary school provision in Pembrokeshire.
Reiterating this point, and largely proposing a new set of guidelines regarding sixth form provision, was Frank Ciccotti of the Pembrokeshire Association of Secondary Headteachers (PASH).
In what seemed to suggest a consolidation of post-16 education in the county, PASH said: “The larger the school, the more viable, allowing greater investment in A level teaching.”
PASH also stated, in its presentation, that ‘no sixth form can survive alone and offer the full range of subjects’, and furthermore suggested that there would be ‘significant benefits from a school of 500+ in sixth form, as regards the ability to offer more subjects and deliver surpluses’.
With reference to the financial viability of the current model, it was suggested that subjects currently require at least 15 students to achieve viability.
Taking only AS level into account, in the north of the county, Ysgol Bro Gwaun currently has no subjects which fill this quota. Ysgol Dewi Sant has four (out of 11 subjects); English Literature, Chemistry, Maths and Religious Studies.
Institutions in Haverfordwest fare slightly better, with Pembrokeshire College achieving the 15 students mark in 13 out of 15 subjects offered, while Sir Thomas Picton currently meets the target in 12 out of 19 subjects. Tasker Milward, however, only achieves the target in three subjects; Chemistry, Biology and Psychology.
The south of the county appears in a similar situation to the north, with Milford Haven, Greenhill and Pembroke collectively offering 11 subjects which have 15 students or more – out of a collective subject count of 56.
With the figures to hand, Mr Ciccotti suggested ‘there is limited strategic planning of what is taught where’ and, as such, went on to echo the words of Kate Evans-Hughes in calling for a ‘federation model’ and a ‘duty to collaborate’.
Justifying the need for a federation model, Mr Ciccotti said that the current situation means there is ‘no consistency of subjects offered across the county’, with subjects often based on ‘historic legacy’. He also added that the best teachers may not be available in each school. This has resulted in duplication of subjects and resources being stretched, and students being forced to ‘travel to get their choice, or select subjects based on logistics’, Mr Campion added.
Also expressing concern over financial sustainability, Mr Campion went on to list further justifications for a federation model. These included insufficient investment for existing facilities and technology, as well as professional development of staff. He also added that resources are diverted away from 11-16 teaching in order to support A level teaching, which is ‘not fair or appropriate’.
Mr Ciccotti has previously called on PCC in the past, repeatedly questioning the sustainability of the current secondary provision model.
Mr Ciccotti also made reference to the need for greater ‘access to technology’, suggesting that the way in which students learn is changing: “No longer are libraries the way students study.” He added that a rural community such as Pembrokeshire requires teaching methods that allow for remote learning.
In the closing stages of his presentation, speaking in regard to some form of consolidation across the county, Mr Ciccotti expressed how ‘on a combined basis, 30 subjects are viable; however, even more could be offered’.
Community
Internet outage for two villages after exchange box destroyed
RESIDENTS of Clunderwen and Llandissilio have been left without internet access following the destruction of an Openreach exchange box just outside Llandissilio village.
The incident occurred yesterday (Nov 23) when the box was reportedly demolished by a vehicle. The damage has resulted in a complete loss of internet services for the two villages, with repairs expected to take at least a couple of days.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the disruption, as the outage affects home businesses, remote workers, and households relying on internet connectivity for day-to-day tasks.
Openreach engineers have cordoned off the site, and work is ongoing to assess the extent of the damage. A spokesperson for Openreach has been contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.
The vehicle involved in the incident has not yet been identified. Anyone with information about the collision is urged to contact the local police.
With repair timelines unclear, affected residents have called for increased communication from service providers to manage expectations during the outage.
“Bringing the community back online is a priority,” a local resident said. “We’re hoping Openreach can resolve the issue quickly and ensure it doesn’t happen again in future.”
Business
Plans unveiled for new fitness hub in Charles Street
A PLANNING application has been submitted for the transformation of The Original Factory Shop building on Charles Street, Milford Haven, into a state-of-the-art fitness and well-being centre.
The proposal, put forward by Inner Tiger Fitness, aims to offer a range of facilities, including areas for yoga and fitness classes, a protein bar, sunbeds, and a fitness-focused retail space.
Samantha and Darren Winn, co-founders of Inner Tiger Fitness and lifelong residents of Pembrokeshire, see this project as a chance to breathe new life into the town centre while addressing the growing demand for health and fitness services in the community.
Focus on community and well-being
In a public statement, the applicants emphasised their vision of creating more than just a gym. Samantha Winn explained: “We don’t class ourselves as a gym, but as a centre for health, fitness, and care. We aim to build a friendly, non-judgmental space where people of all ages and abilities can improve their physical and mental well-being.”
The facility will provide a range of offerings designed to appeal to both seasoned fitness enthusiasts and beginners, including modern gym equipment, group training areas, and classes such as Pilates and yoga. There will also be a dedicated space for those nervous or hesitant to use the main gym floor. Samantha and Darren Winn hope to foster a welcoming environment where individuals can connect, socialise, and embark on their fitness journeys with confidence.
The protein bar, a key feature of the new facility, will serve pre- and post-workout drinks and snacks, such as healthy smoothies and protein shakes. The owners were keen to clarify that this would not be a café in the traditional sense. “We will not be serving teas, coffees, cakes, or sandwiches,” they stated, countering concerns about competition with other local establishments.
Addressing high street challenges
The building on Charles Street has been on the market for a year, with no other substantial interest shown in its lease. The applicants argued that their proposal offers a solution to the decline of retail in town centres, a trend seen across the country. “Retail is dying on the high street. Town centres must adapt and evolve, or they risk becoming derelict,” they said. “We believe a busy, thriving facility like ours will attract more people to Milford Haven and benefit surrounding businesses.”
They also noted that no exterior changes to the property are planned, apart from essential maintenance and improvements. With peak hours expected to fall outside traditional retail times, they reassured residents that parking would remain adequate, with spaces available in nearby authority-run car parks.
Creating opportunities for Pembrokeshire
Inner Tiger Fitness plans to operate as a family-run business initially, with Samantha and Darren at the helm. As the facility grows, they aim to create both full- and part-time jobs, including roles for coaches, retail assistants, and receptionists. They also hope to establish career paths for young adults in the fitness industry by supporting apprentice trainers and helping them gain the qualifications needed to succeed in their careers.
“Our goal is to make a meaningful investment in Pembrokeshire, not just financially but also socially,” said the couple. “We care deeply about creating opportunities for local people and providing a space that helps everyone feel healthier and happier.”
Responding to public feedback
The proposal has generated mixed reactions on social media, but Inner Tiger Fitness has welcomed the discussion, encouraging residents to share their opinions via the planning consultation process. In a Facebook post, they addressed concerns raised by some members of the community, particularly regarding the future of the current tenant, The Original Factory Shop.
“We are not responsible for any decisions made by the Factory Shop or its internal communications with staff,” the post read. “The building has been on the market for over a year. If retail businesses were thriving, the property would not have been available. Our vision is to bring this space back to life and offer something unique that meets the needs of the community.”
Inner Tiger Fitness also clarified that their facility would not compete directly with existing gyms or leisure centres, such as the Meads. “The Meads offers a range of facilities that we do not, such as swimming, tennis, and squash. Our focus is entirely different. We are building something new and innovative,” they said.
Looking ahead
If the planning application is approved, the facility could open as early as 2025. Samantha and Darren Winn remain optimistic about the project’s potential to make a positive impact on Milford Haven. “We would rather try and fail than never try at all,” they said. “We want to create a space where people can improve their fitness, build friendships, and feel part of a supportive community.”
Residents are invited to view the plans and submit their feedback online. Samantha and Darren concluded: “For those who support us, we are truly grateful. For those with reservations, we hope to change your mind. Our vision is about more than just financial gain—it’s about building something meaningful for Pembrokeshire.”
The Original Factory Shop recently announced it was closing its Haverfordwest Branch, but it was widely assumed that the Milford Haven shop was going to remain open, despite speculation earlier this year that it was to shut down.
It has been widely reported that The Original Factory Shop is struggling financially, with several restructures having recently take place in an attempt to keep the firm solvent.
Business
Fresh flavours at new eatery in St Davids
A NEW brunch spot has opened its doors in St Davids, promising a delicious twist on classic dishes in a welcoming and vibrant setting.
The Brunch House, a passion project by hospitality duo Hannah Bowie and Adam Sawyer, opened at Oriel Y Parc Visitor Centre on Saturday (Nov 16), drawing over 250 visitors on its first day.
With more than two decades of combined industry experience, Hannah and Adam have transformed the space through extensive renovations, creating an inviting environment for locals and visitors alike.
Hannah, who previously ran 35 Main Street in Solva, shared her excitement: “Brunch is my favourite meal of the day, and bringing The Brunch House to life has been a dream come true. We’re thrilled to offer something fresh and unique to St Davids.”
The menu features an inspired blend of Middle Eastern flavours from Hannah’s heritage alongside brunch staples like the Full Welsh and Pancake Stack. Standout dishes, such as chicken and waffles drizzled with house-made hot maple sauce, have already earned rave reviews.
Ben Richardson, one of the first customers, said: “The chicken and waffles were absolutely delicious. We’re already planning our next visit.”
The eatery’s warm atmosphere and quality cuisine have struck a chord with the community. Bethany Ellison, a local customer, remarked: “What Hannah and Adam have created here is phenomenal. The ambience, combined with the exceptional food, makes this place truly special. I wish them every success.”
Adam added: “We’ve worked hard to make The Brunch House our own, and the support from locals and holidaymakers has been incredible. It’s been amazing to see so many people walk through our doors already.”
The Brunch House is open daily from 9:30am to 4:00pm, with food served until 3:00pm.
Pictured above – Brunch with a twist: The Brunch House in St Davids run by Adam Sawyer and Hannah Bowie is the newest spot to enjoy freshly made dishes
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