News
Milford Haven: Pupils to see reduction in A-Level subjects
SCHOOL PUPILS in Milford Haven choosing their subjects for years 12 and 13 will see a reduction in the amount of options that are available to them.
That is due to a drop in combined Year 12 and 13 numbers which has also meant a reduction in funding.
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said that only six pupils had chosen A Level English Literature as a subject for the next school year.
That is described as insufficient but learners still wishing to take this option can choose to go to Pembroke School.
The issue was raised at a meeting of Milford Haven Town Council on Monday (June 26), the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Colin Sharp, said he had received a letter from Cllr Eric Harries which stated that some A Level subjects would not be available in the near future.
The Mayor read out Cllr Harries’ letter which stated: “One particular subject mentioned was A Level English. I would be grateful if the council could enquire of the headmaster and the education authority if such a supposition is likely and seek an assurance that the full range of A Level subjects will continue to be available within the curriculum.”
Cllr Harries added that he had been approached by several parents who had concerns about the possibility of A Level subjects being reduced.
He went on to say that the matter should be placed on the agenda for a future council meeting.
However, it seems that there will not be a full range of subjects available and since the Welsh Government moved to the revised Post-16 Planning and Reporting Arrangements in 2014-15, the local authority’s allocated sixth form funding has reduced by 25.6% – from £5,019,238 in 2014-15 to £3,732,894 for the financial year 2017-18.
The reduced allocation is primarily linked to a reduction in sixth form learners and poor retention rates from Year 12 into 13.
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “Combined Year 12 and 13 numbers have dropped by 26.1 per cent from 1,351 in 2014/15 to 999 in 2017/18. This means we are facing a significant funding reduction of 17.9 per cent from 2016/17 to 2017/18.
“This reduced allocation unfortunately has forced the local authority and schools to collectively rethink its sixth form curriculum. We simply cannot continue to deliver the breadth of options that we have in the past with small class sizes.
“To maintain sixth forms that are financially viable we have made significant inroads in reducing duplication of classes where possible. Unfortunately there are difficult decisions to be made in curriculum areas that attract small learner uptake.
“These decisions are not knee-jerk and are made in collaboration with headteachers and curriculum managers.
“Following the learners’ options choice process earlier this year, insufficient numbers of learners – just six – opted for A-Level English Literature at Milford Haven School in September.
“The option of English Language and Literature at Pembroke School however is available to Milford Haven School learners as part of the South Pembrokeshire Federation.
“It should be noted that the local authority and secondary schools are building capacity for a new delivery model for the academic year 2018-19 to ensure a more sustainable A-Level provision in the County.”
News
Welsh Conservatives urge Labour to scrap ‘family farm tax’
THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have announced plans to bring forward a Senedd debate next week (Nov 27) calling on the UK Labour Government to abandon its proposed “family farm tax.”
The tax, introduced by the UK Labour Government, is being criticised as a move that will harm Welsh farming, threaten food security, and increase food prices. Alongside the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme and perceived “anti-farming agenda,” critics argue this new tax amounts to a coordinated effort to undermine the future of agriculture in Wales.
Shadow Minister warns of consequences
Ahead of the debate, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, James Evans MS, condemned the proposal, stating:
“Labour’s family farm tax will put family farms out of business, threaten our food security, and lead to food prices rising. Only the Welsh Conservatives will stand up for our farmers, and that’s why we’re bringing forward a Senedd motion calling on Labour to reverse this decision. No farmers, no food.”
NFU Cymru expresses alarm
NFU Cymru President, Aled Jones, echoed these concerns, highlighting the widespread opposition from the farming community. Speaking about the impact of the tax on Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, Jones said:
“Earlier this week, hundreds of farmers from across Wales journeyed to London to meet with their MPs and register their deeply held concerns about these misguided and ill-thought-out reforms.
“The proposals unveiled by the Treasury last month to introduce a tax on the passing on of our family farms to the next generation are a massive added burden. They will leave many farmers without the means, confidence, or incentive to invest in the future of their business.
“NFU Cymru reiterates its call for the UK Government to halt these changes.”
The motion to be debated
The motion, set to be debated in the Senedd, reads:
“To propose that the Senedd:
Calls on the UK Labour Government to reverse its decision to impose a family farm tax on agricultural businesses.”
This debate is expected to attract significant attention, with Welsh farmers and rural communities keenly watching for the outcome.
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 reported that The Original Factory Shop is struggling financially, with several restructures having recently taken place in an attempt to keep the firm solvent.
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