News
Consultation launched on future of two public toilets
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is launching a consultation on the future of two public toilets at Fishguard and one in Gelliswick, near Milford Haven.
At Fishguard, the Council is proposing to close the facilities in West Street car park, which have been the target of repeated vandalism, and in Parc y Shwt. Both facilities are in need of upgrading.
Instead, a new toilet block would be built in the town centre next to the new bus stop in the Chimney’s Link road development (subject to planning approval).
The other public conveniences at Lower Town Fishguard and Goodwick Parrog would remain.
To find out more about the proposed new toilet block, a drop-in session will be held at Fishguard Market at Fishguard Town Hall on Thursday, April 12, between 10am and 12pm.
If it went ahead, it is proposed that it would be a pay-for-use facility. It would be funded by Danfo (UK) Ltd, the company contracted by the Council to provide public conveniences.
Vandalism has also been a long-running problem at the Council-run public conveniences at Gelliswick, near Milford Haven.
The block has the highest number of recorded incidents in a 12 month period. Doors have been kicked in, toilet pans smashed and fireworks set off inside. A a result, the toilets have been closed since October 2017.
As part of its consultation, Pembrokeshire County Council would like to hear from community groups interested in taking over responsibility for the toilet block.
Milford Haven Town Council has said it is unable to fund its provision, due to the extensive record of vandalism.
Pembrokeshire County Council proposes that if no viable alternative proposal is received, that the Gelliswick toilets are permanently closed.
To give your views on the Council’s proposals for Fishguard, Gelliswick, or both:
- Complete the online response form (from March 26th) at pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay
- OR phone the Contact Centre to request a hard copy document. Once complete, scan in and email to [email protected] or post to: Pembrokeshire County Council, Policy, 2D County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP.
The closing date for responses is Friday, May 18.
Responses will be compiled into a report and be used to develop an Integrated Impact Assessment.
These documents will be considered by Cabinet at its meeting in July, when it will make a final decision on the proposals.
Charity
Panels highlight Father Paul Sartori’s legacy and community impact
PANELS installed at Paul Sartori Foundation’s Head Office highlight and celebrate Father Paul Sartori’s legacy and community impact.
Known as Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, the Pembrokeshire-based charity is proud to highlight the installation of a series of information panels at Paul Sartori House, its Head Office. These panels are dedicated to the memory and work of Father Paul Sartori, the inspiration for the charity.
They offer visitors a visual and educational journey through the life of Father Sartori and the extraordinary legacy he left in Pembrokeshire. The installation is part of the charity’s commitment of preserving and sharing the history of Father Sartori’s inspiring work. They were part of the ‘Voices from the Community: Father Paul Sartori’s story from Priest to Hospice Care’ project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project recorded personal memories and stories from those who knew him, ensuring that his vision and impact on the community were preserved for future generations.
Sandra Dade, the Charity Manager at Paul Sartori, commented, “We are thrilled to have these panels in place at Paul Sartori House. They serve as a powerful reminder of Father Sartori’s enduring influence, and they beautifully complement the work of the project. We hope that both the panels, the resources on The People’s Collection Wales website and the documentation safeguarded at Pembrokeshire Archives allow visitors to have a deeper understanding of Father Sartori’s life and the profound impact he had in Pembrokeshire.”
The panels showcase key moments in Father Sartori’s life, from his early life, education, his ministry background and time as a Parish Priest in Haverfordwest. They mention Father Sartori’s untimely death on 16th April 1980. The legacy he left and also explain his recognition of how Pembrokeshire lacked any form of hospice care and his vision for hospice care in Pembrokeshire. A vision that led to the creation of the charity, Paul Sartori Foundation. The panels also highlight his character, and how his compassion and leadership was loved by many in the community.
The ‘Voices from the Community…’ project, recorded 64 interviews with people who knew Father Sartori, and was a remarkable success. The interviews are accessible via The People’s Collection Wales website (https://www.peoplescollection.wales/users/108536). Photographs and other materials are available to view at Pembrokeshire Archives. This and the panels all ensure that the rich history of Father Sartori’s work is preserved for future generations to explore.
David Evans, Chair of Trustees for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, said, “Father Sartori’s dream of providing hospice care in Pembrokeshire lives on in the incredible work our charity continues to do today. These panels at Paul Sartori House are an important way of honouring that legacy, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of this project.”
Father Sartori’s vision has inspired many thousands of people over the years, with the charity currently supporting around 400 people annually in Pembrokeshire. The new panels, along with the ongoing preservation of Father Sartori’s personal possessions and documents, will ensure that his story remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.
The panels are now on permanent display at Paul Sartori House, and the charity invites the public to visit and learn more about the life and legacy of Father Paul Sartori.
Paul Sartori Hospice at Home provide a range of services to Pembrokeshire people living in the final stages of any life-limiting illness, including home nursing care, equipment loan, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, future care planning and training.
The services provided by the charity enable people in the later stages of any life-limiting illness to be cared for and to die at home with dignity, independence, pain free and surrounded by those they hold most dear, if that is their wish.
All of the services are free of charge and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, thanks to the generosity of the Pembrokeshire Community.
Further information on the charity and its services can be obtained by visiting their website www.paulsartori.org, or by phoning 01437 763223.
Farming
Call for Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP to back farmers in crucial Commons vote
LOCAL Conservative Member of the Senedd (MS) Samuel Kurtz has urged Pembrokeshire’s MP to oppose what he calls “vindictive” changes to inheritance tax (IHT) on farms, as the Conservative Party gears up to force a vote on the issue in Parliament.
Conservative MPs will use their opposition day debate on Wednesday (Dec 4) to push for a vote on Labour’s controversial proposal that would increase IHT payments on farmland.
In her first Budget as Chancellor, Rachel Reeves announced plans to reform agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR). Conservatives argue the changes could saddle farming families with tax bills running into millions of pounds.
Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Labour’s vindictive family farm tax threatens to destroy British farming as we know it. Farmers in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and across the UK will face devastating consequences. On Wednesday, MPs across the country have a choice: will they vote to axe the tax and save the family farm, or will they turn their backs on rural communities and support this damaging policy?”
According to the National Farmers Union (NFU), three-quarters of farmers could be affected by the changes. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) estimates that the average 250-acre arable farm would need to sell 20% of its land to meet the new tax burden.
Kurtz added: “Two weeks ago, thousands of farmers descended on Westminster to make their voices heard. So far, the government has refused to listen. Labour MPs, including Pembrokeshire’s, now have a chance to side with British farming or remain silent. Which route will they take?”
News
Rate relief for Pembrokeshire businesses in retail, leisure, and hospitality
BUSINESSES in Pembrokeshire’s retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors are being urged to apply for rates relief as part of a Welsh Government scheme for 2024/25.
The Retail, Leisure, and Hospitality Rates Relief scheme offers a 40% reduction on non-domestic rates bills for eligible properties occupied between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Businesses such as shops, pubs, restaurants, gyms, performance venues, and hotels may qualify for the support.
Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025. For more details and to access the application form, visit the Pembrokeshire County Council website at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/business-rates/retail-leisure-and-hospitality-rates-relief-in-wales.
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