News
Members ‘encouraged’ after Riverside purchase call-in
MEMBERS of the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee have been reassured following the call in of a Cabinet members’ decision to look into the purchase of Haverfordwest Riverside.
A number of councillors had been concerned about the decision to appoint a consultant to develop and evaluate proposals for the site’s redevelopment because of the Council’s budgetary position.
Cabinet member for Economy and Tourism, Cllr Paul Miller, made his decision at the end of April as part of wider council plans to revitalise the Town of Haverfordwest.
However, on May 3, that decision was called in by Cllrs Jamie Adams, David Pugh, Brian Hall and Di Clements.
A special meeting of the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee was called for Tuesday, May 14.
During the meeting a number of points were raised but it was highlighted that the money for the consultants would not be coming out the tax payers money.
At this stage the Council would only be looking at whether or not they should purchase the site and are asking consultants to look into it.
Members were reassured by what they had heard and asked for an update at their September meeting.
Cllr Jamie Adams said that there needed to be some understanding of the desire of the people to see council tax money well spent and added that his worry was that they would be further burdening tax payers.
Cllr Miller said he was very concerned that the Pembrokeshire was becoming a disconnected retirement county but highlighted his strategy for improving the county.
He added that he wanted to get Pembrokeshire better connected in terms of broadband, ensuring that Pembrokeshire has an offer adding that although they were ‘well endowed’ with natural assets, it wasn’t enough ‘on its own’.
His third point was to make sure that the county is discovered and said: “Let’s appoint the right people to guide us through this.”
Cllr Bob Summons asked a number of questions including what due dilligence had been done.
Cllr Miller said some had already been done but added that the majority of it would come when the business case would be considered.
Cllr Summons said that town centres were dying because of online shopping and asked what could be done.
Cllr Miller outlined that the area being considered included Haverfordwest Castle, Bridge Street, the Ocky White building, the Riverside Shopping centre and that redeveloping the multi-storey car park was an area of interest.
He went on to say they would be relying on external consultants as they didn’t have the in-house resources to do so.
A report to the committee stated that finance officers had not been involved but when challenged, Council Leader David Simpson said that they had been involved in discussions over the last two years, just not on the specifics of the project.
Cllr Adams added that the meeting to discuss the concept had only happened on Monday, after the call-in, and asked was it a case of the ‘stable door being bolted after the horse is out’.
Cllr Bob Kilmister said a meeting had been scheduled but because he was away it was put back to Monday.
Cllr Adams asked if it had also been discussed at a meeting of the Strategic Asset Management group.
Cllr Paul Miller said it hadn’t but added that when the business case was made they would be involved.
Cllr Adams also asked about further investment in Bridge Street and Cllr Miller said there would be as part of the Castle project.
He went on to say that the Welsh Government were also involved in this and that they had been asking for all sorts of information.
Cllr Brian Hall warned the Cabinet to ‘be cautious’ or risk the situation coming back to bite them.
After hearing what had been said a number of members were reassured by what had gone on and Cllr David Pugh said he admired the Cabinet’s ambition.
Cllr Simon Hancock asked what the consequences would be if they did nothing adding that he was supportive of the Council trying to do the right thing.
Cllr Tony Wilcox added: “To not engage specialists would be remiss of us. We’ve got to at least go through this process.”
Cllr Tim Evans added he was ‘really encouraged’ by what he had heard and added the consultants would tell them whether this was right or wrong saying: “It’s something we’ve got to go through with.”
Members agreed that an update report should be presented to them at their September meeting.
Charity
Shalom House adapts to community needs amid financial struggles
A HOSPICE in St Davids is finding new ways to support the community after financial challenges forced changes to its operations. Shalom House, a well-loved facility on Nun Street, has shifted its focus in recent years, balancing healthcare provision with its founding mission.
Established in 2007, Shalom House was originally designed as a five-bed hospice offering respite and palliative care. Its creation was made possible by the donation of the property from Elizabeth de Guise, a novelist with a deep connection to Pembrokeshire. However, rising costs and funding shortfalls have led to significant changes in how the hospice operates.
In late October, the closure of St Davids Surgery prompted Shalom House to repurpose two of its rooms for use by a branch surgery. The facility is now home to a service staffed by practice nurses under Hywel Dda Health Board, ensuring local residents continue to have access to healthcare.
Balancing priorities
While the move has been welcomed by many in the area, it has come at a cost. Shalom House now operates with three respite beds instead of five, a change that has sparked concern among some supporters.
“We had to make a difficult decision,” a spokesperson for the hospice said. “Our primary goal is to serve the community, and this arrangement allows us to do so in multiple ways. The branch surgery provides vital medical care while helping us generate income to keep Shalom House open.”
The hospice continues to offer day-care services to several patients each week, with additional respite care provided as resources allow. Trustees are optimistic that full capacity can be restored in the future, depending on funding.
Community campaign brings hope
Despite the challenges, Shalom House has received overwhelming support from the Pembrokeshire community. A recent campaign, “Save Shalom,” has seen donations increase dramatically, offering a glimmer of hope for the hospice’s long-term future.
Local resident and campaign volunteer, Jenny Williams, said: “Shalom House means so much to so many people. It’s more than a building—it’s a lifeline for families across the county. We’re determined to do everything we can to keep it running.”
Looking ahead
The trustees are exploring new ways to raise funds and expand services, with plans to launch a series of community events next year. They have also expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of local residents, whose donations remain crucial.
“Shalom House has always been about Pembrokeshire’s people,” said the spokesperson. “Every penny donated helps us provide care and support to those who need it most. We’re confident that, with the community behind us, we can overcome these challenges.”
For more information about Shalom House or to make a donation, visit www.shalomstdavids.org.
Entertainment
A Christmas spectacular at St Davids Cathedral delights audience
A CHRISTMAS celebration of music and song enthralled audiences at St Davids Cathedral on Saturday (Dec 14), as the St Davids Cathedral Choir and Vox Angelica presented A Christmas Spectacular. The event, which began at 7:00pm, offered a festive evening of performances set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks.
The concert featured the talented harpist Bethan Semmens, who captivated listeners with her intricate and emotive playing. A Cardiff native, Semmens studied at the Royal College of Music and has performed at prestigious events across the UK and internationally. Her contributions to the evening brought an enchanting touch to the programme.
The night was packed with beloved seasonal pieces, showcasing both choral and soloist performances. Highlights included the timeless Good King Wenceslas, Winter Wonderland, and festive classics such as The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Cathedral Choir delivered stirring renditions under the vaulted ceilings, with carols and arrangements that beautifully resonated throughout the space.
Special moments featured solos by Harriet Pearce and Sophie Cooke, who lent their voices to favourites like There Is No Rose and Balulalow. The audience was further treated to a moving arrangement of A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, performed in harmony with Bethan Semmens’ harp accompaniment.
A medley of carols encouraged audience participation, culminating in a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Families, friends, and visitors joined their voices for classics that brought warmth and festivity to the wintry evening.
The performance concluded with an uplifting recessional, leaving attendees with a sense of seasonal cheer. The Cathedral, adorned with Christmas trees and lights, provided the perfect setting for what many described as an unforgettable musical experience.
The Herald understands that A Christmas Spectacular was a resounding success, with plans already underway for next year’s event.
News
Greyhound racing regulator welcomes Welsh Government support for licensing
THE GREYHOUND BOARD OF GREAT BRITAIN, which oversees Wales’s only licensed greyhound racing track, has welcomed a statement by the Welsh Government on the licensing of animal establishments following a public consultation earlier this year.
GBGB, as the regulator for the licensed greyhound racing sector, expressed its commitment to continued collaboration with the Welsh Government to enhance the welfare of racing greyhounds. The statement, delivered by the Deputy First Minister, summarized responses to the consultation on licensing animal welfare establishments, activities, and exhibits.
Broad support for licensing
The consultation responses, which included contributions from GBGB, racing industry stakeholders, and animal welfare charities, demonstrated clear support for licensing animal welfare establishments. Respondents highlighted the positive economic, social, cultural, and welfare impacts of GBGB’s regulation of greyhound racing in Wales, particularly at the Valley Stadium.
Mark Bird, Chief Executive of GBGB, said: “We welcome the consultation summary today, which shows very clearly the strength of support for effective and proportionate regulation to safeguard animal welfare – whether for commercial dog walkers and pet groomers or within greyhound racing.
“As the regulator for Wales’s greyhound racing track, the Valley Stadium, we have proven how robust licensing can transform welfare standards. Despite coordinated and misleading campaigns by animal rights groups – as evidenced by the duplicate responses flagged in the summary – these efforts have not gained definitive support for a phased ban.
“We are pleased the Government continues to prioritise a fully comprehensive, evidence-based, and measured approach to optimising welfare. As further work is carried out on effective regulation in Wales, we remain committed to engaging fully with the Deputy First Minister and his officials to promote and protect greyhound welfare.”
Welfare and economic benefits highlighted
Bird emphasized the benefits brought by GBGB’s licensing standards at the Valley Stadium:
“Valley Stadium’s management has invested significantly to meet GBGB’s rigorous licensing requirements. The track now benefits from the expertise of an on-site veterinary surgeon and the ongoing support of our national network of experts. Racing greyhounds enjoy more protections and oversight than the general pet dog population across Wales.
“This licensing has not only enhanced welfare but also generated jobs, growth, and a strong base of local supporters who value the opportunity to enjoy this historic Welsh pastime with welfare at its core.”
Views from animal welfare organisations
The summary of consultation responses featured contributions from respected animal welfare organisations, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and The Kennel Club.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home recommended robust regulation, stating:
“Battersea would strongly recommend regulation of Greyhound racing go beyond solely regulating the stadia to also account for trainer kennels, where racing Greyhounds spend 95% of their lives. Regulation should be based on proven, enforceable standards that safeguard welfare.”
The Kennel Club supported licensing, noting:
“We would suggest that it would be premature to ban greyhound racing in Wales without giving a licensing scheme an opportunity to demonstrate that racing can be regulated and operate to acceptable welfare standards.”
Looking ahead
GBGB remains committed to working with the Welsh Government to uphold the highest welfare standards in greyhound racing while ensuring the sport continues to contribute positively to local communities and the economy.
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