News

Haverfordwest: Children’s Climate Change Strike invades County Hall

Published

7 years ago

February 16, 2019

PEMBROKESHIRE children quit the classroom and demonstrated outside County Hall on Friday, participating in the children’s climate strike.
Local activist Vicky Moller was on scene and sent us this report:

“The Children’s climate strike was like a step into a different future for Pembrokeshire. A Llarge crowd gathered outside the council offices, mostly children – armed with homemade banners and placards. It was such a great turn out!

“Plaid Councillor Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Welsh Language, came outside to address the crowd.

“No-one quite knew what was going to happen at the protest or who to be the first to ask questions. It was quite a surprise when he came over and joined the protest and led chanting in English and Welsh.

“Next Kristina Wray took over leading the demonstration. A very lively lady, she had brought a gang from Pembroke Dock calling themselves the Pembrokeshire Yellow Vest.

“Many were self-described ‘social services victims’, saying that they were all united with the children ‘because we all want the same thing.. A future for our children’.

“Then Cllr Tomos and a council officer called Clare Thomas invited a few of us in to have a meeting. But too many wanted to come in so it was decided to take us into the council chamber.

“The children filled it every seat For about an hour, the youngsters questioned the council – questions about topics such as cycle ways happiness and wellbeing, renewables, farming, carbon, planning, and democracy.

Cllr Tomos takes questions from children about the climate (Pic V Moller/Herald)

“Cllr Tomos answered in his colourful sing-song way, demonstrating that he knew lots about each topic, and its relevance to Pembrokeshire. He did not criticise the Council but he agreed three times to take things forward with different cabinet members (on homes and solar panels, cycle paths and the council changing to buying renewable power)

“He also arranged a next meeting with us and promised to make sure there were more cabinet members there to answer and to discuss what the council is doing.

At the end Soo Hutchinson led the protest through the streets of Haverfordwest – flanked by a giant green dragon with climate first written on it in tall letters.”
Vicky Moller added: “Anna Bean and the organisers should be proud of this inspirational unexpected young people take over of the corridors of power.”

Climate

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum project endorsed as UN Ocean Decade Activity

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Climate adaptation toolkit joins global sustainability programme

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has announced that its Climate Adaptation Toolkit for Coastal Communities has been officially endorsed as a United Nations Ocean Decade Activity, recognising the project’s contribution to international efforts to build a more sustainable relationship with the world’s oceans.

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, brings together organisations across the globe to generate and share knowledge that can support resilient and sustainable coastal futures. Endorsed activities contribute to one or more of the Decade’s ten scientific and societal challenges.

PCF’s Climate Adaptation Toolkit is designed to help coastal communities prepare for the realities of climate change. The project provides accessible information, guidance and learning materials for local authorities, educators and community groups as they plan for coastal erosion, flooding, sea-level rise and other long-term environmental pressures.

Running from December 2025 to March 2026, the project will use online learning resources, case studies and engagement sessions to increase understanding of how climate change is already affecting the coastline, and what practical steps communities can take to adapt.

Jetske Germing, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, said: “We’re honoured that the Climate Adaptation Toolkit has been recognised as part of the United Nations Ocean Decade. This endorsement highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in tackling coastal challenges, and reflects our ongoing commitment to building resilient, sustainable coastal communities.”

The endorsement places the toolkit within an international network of projects working towards the UN Decade’s vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want”.

PCF’s involvement adds to Wales’ growing profile in the field of coastal sustainability. The organisation’s wider programme of work includes Marine Renewable Energy, Sustainable Recreation, Education and Skills, Water Quality, and Land Use — all centred on its vision of a sustainable coast and ocean for future generations.

Further information about the UN Ocean Decade can be found on the initiative’s website.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge for smashing pub windows

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Court Reporter

A TEENAGER has been handed a conditional discharge after admitting damaging windows at a Pembroke pub last year.

A 17-year-old boy from Pembroke Dock, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 13).

The court heard that on April 10, 2024, he damaged several windows at a premises owned by Marston’s PLC, causing £1,002 worth of damage.

He received a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £500 compensation. Magistrates made no order for costs, noting that compensation should take priority.