News

Council ‘supports’ Narberth School developers

Published

10 years ago

November 27, 2016

map1 PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has told The Herald that ‘it continues to support’ the developers behind a controversial scheme to redevelop the site of Narberth’s former school.

The Council’s assertion was made in response to questions from this newspaper which asked for a statement from the Head of Property, Barry Cooke, as to whether the current proposed development meets the criteria set when the preferred developer was selected by the local authority.

We also asked for confirmation from Mr Cooke on whether or not the Council considers the current proposals advanced by the developers were complementary to or in competition with the present town centre retail mix.

We received a statement from a Council spokesperson which said: ‘At its meeting of 12th September, Cabinet noted the recommendation of the Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee to uphold the decision that it took at the Cabinet meeting of 4th July.

‘This was that the Council continues to support the preferred developer of the mixed retail and residential scheme at the former Narberth school site in bringing the development to fruition.

‘This was on the proviso that this support be withdrawn if the developers fail to secure the tenants and commence the scheme by 31st December.

‘The Council is continuing to support the developers on this basis.’

East Williamston county councillor Jacob Williams has recently provided further background to the Narberth School development in an article on his website jacobwilliams.com.

Councillor Williams report that, despite agreeing a sale price for the former school to Abbeymore Estates and Knox & Wells Ltd, the council failed to finalise the sale price for the former school. All the while, when Sainsburys were being flagged as anchor tenants for the development, it seems that the Council had failed to complete the formality of tying the developer to a price for the premises.

After failing to progress the development for two years, the developers then returned to the Council to ask for a loan and what Jacob Williams describes as ‘a substantial reduction on their previously-agreed sale price’.

In response to that request, Councillor Williams reveals that the County Council’s Cabinet agreed – in secret session – to cut its price for the school by a third the Narberth sale price by a third!

The scheme, which had by now radically changed from the original proposal, was not re-tendered.

In fact, The Herald can reveal that the Council had expressed serious reservations about what the developer was proposing to replace the original scheme.

In a letter to the developers, the Head of Property said: ‘I regret to advise that … the line-up of retail uses has departed too significantly from that envisaged when your companies were appointed as preferred bidder to the point that the Council no longer believes they meet the criteria set’.

Mr Cooke goes on to point out that the plans were to complement the retail mix of the town centre, but that the proposals being advanced by Abbeymore and Knox & Wells would ‘impact on the sustainability of existing businesses’ in the town centre.

The Herald understands that a briefing note prepared by the Head of Property sets out a new proposed anchor tenant for the development, whom we believe – from information received from a local business owner – to be the Co-op.

It is not clear what, if anything, Councillors were told either of the Council’s reservations; or what, if anything, they have been told of the new proposed anchor tenant for the troubled site. However, Cllr Jacob Williams paints a vivid picture of the discussions held in July this year from which the public were excluded.

Cllr Williams writes: ‘Narberth’s local member, Cllr. Wynne Evans, flipped his lid – only after the meeting was in private session, though.

‘Shouting, banging the table and using words that, had I used, would be frowned upon, Cllr. Evans stressed that progress needed to be made without delay.

‘His passionate plea worked, and committee members seemed to come to the view that, as PCC had gone down the path so far with the favoured redevelopment company, there was only one way they could continue – and it involved splashing the cash.

‘But what readers probably don’t know is that during the behind-closed-doors scrutiny call-in of the Narberth deal, after much probing of officers by Cllr. Mike Evans, councillors were told that, amid the media controversy of cabinet’s decision to offer the loan and slash the price – and my call-in of the decision – a separate, unsolicited expression of interest for the site’s redevelopment had been received by the council’.

The deadline for Abbeymore Estates and Knox & Wells Ltd to start the development is December 31. If the developers are not in a position to start then, there remain questions as to why – when the scope of the scheme and the range of support being offered to prospective developers changed so dramatically and included a significant price reduction and a seven-figure loan – the project was not re-tendered; and how the Council found itself – two years after it had awarded a contract to a preferred bidder – with an undeveloped site in Narberth. It remains to be seen whether the Council will give its ‘preferred bidder’ more time or whether it will then find itself in a worse position with a prospective new developer, well-aware of what has gone wrong this time round.

And finally, if Abbeymore Estates and Knox & Wells Ltd do proceed, what will happen to those businesses in the town centre which the council considers could be affected by the revised scheme? If the scheme advanced is the one that the council thought would affect the sustainability of those businesses, it is likely to find itself embroiled in a lengthy legal fight once final plans are brought forward for consideration.

As things stand, plans to demolish the school are being prepared with an alternative use for the school site as a short-term car park being considered as a contingency plan.

Charity

More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day

Published

26 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.

The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.

A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.

Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.

A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”

Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.

Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.

Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.

“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.

“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”

The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.

For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.

Community

Children enjoy special day out at Folly Farm thanks to Rotary support

Published

37 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Packed lunches donated by local businesses as Narberth and Whitland Rotary treats youngsters to memorable trip

CHILDREN from across the area enjoyed a fun-filled day at Folly Farm on Wednesday (June 10), thanks to the efforts of Narberth and Whitland Rotary and the generosity of local businesses.

The annual “Children’s Day Out” saw youngsters treated to a special visit to the popular Pembrokeshire attraction, where they were able to enjoy the animals, rides and activities on offer.

Narberth and Whitland Rotary said the trip was made possible through the support of several local organisations and businesses who helped ensure the children had an enjoyable and well-catered day.

The Rotary club extended special thanks to The Plas in Narberth for providing packed lunches for the children attending the trip.

Additional refreshments were also donated, with Jack Williams supplying a generous selection of fruit and CK’s contributing bottled water.

Rotary organisers said the children had a “great day out” and praised Folly Farm for welcoming the group and helping to make the visit a memorable experience.

A spokesperson for Narberth and Whitland Rotary said: “All of the children had a great day out and special thanks go to Folly Farm for welcoming us all.”

The club regularly organises community activities and events aimed at supporting local families and young people across the Narberth and Whitland area.

Photo caption: Day to remember: Children enjoy a special outing to Folly Farm organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary (Pic supplied).

Health

Nurses’ union warns Wales must not lose new recruits after FM job guarantee row

Published

1 hour ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF NURSING WALES has warned that Wales “cannot afford” to lose newly qualified nurses after the First Minister refused to give a direct guarantee that student nurses would be given jobs in NHS Wales.

The row followed First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday (Jun 9), when Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas MS asked Rhun ap Iorwerth whether he would guarantee jobs for student nurses when they graduate.

Mr Thomas said it was unacceptable for newly qualified nurses, doctors and paramedics to struggle to find work while the NHS remained under pressure.

The First Minister did not give a direct yes or no answer, but said workforce planning was a “core part” of the Welsh Government’s health strategy.

He told the Senedd: “Putting a robust plan in place to make sure that people who have decided to devote themselves to careers in nursing or medicine or the allied health professions is a core part of our delivery of a workforce strategy.

“That is why my Cabinet Minister for Health and Care has already begun the work of ensuring that we are able to support students to have careers within the NHS.”

Following the exchange, RCN Wales Executive Director Nicola Williams said the union welcomed the First Minister’s recognition of the importance of helping nurses build their futures in Wales.

But she said nursing students had invested years of hard work, commitment and personal sacrifice to qualify.

She said: “At a time when Wales continues to face nursing workforce shortages and increasing demand on health services, it is essential that newly registered nurses are able to secure employment and put their skills into practice.

“RCN Wales has consistently raised concerns about reports of graduate nurses struggling to find substantive posts following qualification. This is not only deeply worrying for those individuals, but also represents a missed opportunity for the NHS to retain talented professionals at the beginning of their careers.”

Ms Williams said RCN Wales would seek assurances at a forthcoming workforce summit that a clear and sustainable plan would be developed to support newly registered nurses into employment.

She added: “Wales cannot afford to lose skilled, motivated nurses at the point they enter the profession.”

Mr Thomas said after FMQs: “Our health service is in desperate need of qualified staff. It is unacceptable that newly qualified nurses, doctors and paramedics are being told to find work outside of Wales.

“I was disappointed that the First Minister could not commit to ensuring these hardworking, qualified professionals can move into the frontline roles our NHS so desperately needs to fill.”

The issue comes amid wider concerns about NHS workforce planning in Wales, with unions warning that a failure to create enough entry-level posts risks losing newly trained staff just as services face growing pressure.