News

‘Major challenges to overcome,’ says cabinet member

Published

12 years ago

January 31, 2014

THE Cabinet Member for Education, County Councillor Ken Rowlands, gave his six monthly report at the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, January 23.

In his report he outlines the work he has been doing, his visits to schools and he also addresses the recent banding results.

He said: “The last few months have been a period of major change in the Directorate. We now have, with the exception of the Head of Business Services, an entirely new Senior Management Team.

“When I took over responsibility for my portfolio it was my intention to visit all secondary schools to see for myself the changes taking place. To date I have visited Greenhill, Ysgol y Preseli, Ysgol Dewi Sant, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton. I am also making arrangements to visit Ysgol Bro Gwaun.

“In our schools where performance is good, I am glad to share in their achievement and to celebrate success. However, I feel it is as important for me to be aware of the schools where results are inadequate and where focussed work needs to be undertaken”.

Councillor Rowlands then went on to talk about the banding positions of certain schools.

“Following disappointing outcomes in inspection and performance, we have issued formal warning letters to the board of governors in Tasker Milward and Dewi Sant, setting out the need for rapid improvement and the requirements of the local authority to secure that improvement. The Chief Education Officer is closely monitoring the progress of the two schools and the work of the intervention boards that have been established.

“I receive regular updates in relation to progress in these two schools. In order to improve standards, every school in the authority has placed attendance as a priority, and, whilst it is early days, there are early signs this term that attendance is improving. However there is still a distance to go”.

Councillor Rowlands concluded by saying: “I intend to continue to work closely with the Director and his team to ensure our progress on the improvement journey is steady, long lasting and lays down a strong foundation for the future.

“This will not be achieved immediately and there is no doubt that there are still major challenges to overcome. Nevertheless, I am confident that the outcome we aim for, that ‘children, young people and families have the opportunity to fulfil their learning potential and live healthy and happy lives’, will be achieved”.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.