News

Johnston: New primary school opens

Published

8 years ago

January 7, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Headteacher Mr Gareth Thomas: Outside the new Johnston CP School with all members of the School Council.

THE NEW YEAR has seen the launch of a new chapter for education in Johnston, with the opening of a £6.4 million primary school in the village.

The new Johnston CP School at Langford Road opened its doors to pupils on Thursday (Jan 5), replacing the old school building at Cranham Park.

It will cater for 210 full-time pupils as well as providing nursery facilities and a Learning Resource Centre (LRC) which will cater for up to 20 children with complex or additional needs.

Headteacher Mr Gareth Thomas said the new school was a late Christmas present for pupils – and something which the children and community richly deserve.

“The children all walked in completely awestruck by the new facilities, and yet within just a couple of days they have settled in really well and it feels like we’ve been here for ever!” he said.

“The building is having a positive effect on their learning and their behaviour, and the new facilities are enhancing their experience right throughout the day. We have space to breathe and space to grow.”

He added that parents of new pupils attending the LRC were delighted with the facilities and the welcome given to them by the new staff.

Johnston is the third new school to open in Pembrokeshire in the last few months and was funded jointly by Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government under the 21st Century Schools Programme.

As well as the infant and junior classrooms, early years unit and LRC, there is a technology room, library, plant room, hall and kitchen. The outdoor spaces includes learning, social and play areas and a multi-use games area – with some facilities accessible to the community out of school hours. The development also includes a new footpath and crossing to link with the existing footpath on Langford Road.

The school was designed by the Pembrokeshire County Council’s in-house design team and constructed by West Wales contractor W.B.Griffiths and Son, who completed the build in October 2016.

The design philosophy behind the building was to provide a spacious, light-filled and naturally ventilated school, with the intention of also reducing the long-term energy consumption of the building. The building services have been designed to keep energy consumption to a minimum and to provide energy-monitoring facilities for the building users, as well as providing free, ‘green’ electricity for the running of the school via the photovoltaics.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

21 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!