Community

Trecadwgan farm to be sold by auction

Published

6 years ago

February 12, 2020

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has decided to sell Trecadwgan Farm by way of public auction.
The Council’s decision has been made in order to bring the sale process to a conclusion and give interested parties a fair and transparent opportunity to purchase Trecadwgan Farm.

The property was originally placed with a local agent for sale by way of public auction in July 2019 after the Council’s Cabinet resolved to sell the Farm on the open market to create a significant capital receipt.
However, it was withdrawn from public auction at the request of the community group known as ‘Save Trecadwgan Farm’ to give them an opportunity to prepare a business plan and seek finance in order to purchase the same on the open market.

Due to the interest shown in the Farm and the offers being made by interested parties, the Council decided that having withdrawn the property from public auction, to conduct the sale by way of private treaty.

Offers were made via the Council’s agent who undertook a standard sales process up to the set date whereby any party who made an offer were advised whether or not the offer made was the highest received.

As part of the process a local charitable foundation made the highest offer by the specified date to purchase the Property and accordingly the Council issued the draft documentation to their solicitors.

It is understood that the foundation had agreed to allow the local community group to use the Farm.

Notwithstanding that the terms and conditions of the transaction were disclosed to all interested parties in the particulars of sale, the foundation would not accept the contract conditions and subsequently withdrew their offer.

Having taken the advice of its agent, the Council agreed that the parties who made unsuccessful offers should be contacted to confirm whether they were still interested and if so to confirm the value of their offer.

At this time a third party who had not been part of the original offer process made the highest offer which again was accepted by the Council subject to contract.

Although the third party was not a party approached by the Council’s agent, as the third party had not previously made a bid, the offer was accepted on the basis of the Council’s duty under section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 to obtain the best consideration which can reasonably be obtained. It is understood that the third party also intended to allow the Community group to occupy the Farm although the terms and conditions are unknown to the Council.

However, the statutory duty and supporting case law relevant to the sale of property by local authorities indicates that the Council has a duty to give consideration to any offer made to the Council.

The Council has now received a number of further higher offers to purchase the Farm.

“Having originally taken the property out of the auction at the request of the Community Group, the Council has, due to the statutory provisions found itself in a difficult and time consuming sales process,” said Cllr Bob Kilmister, Cabinet Member for Finance.

“Therefore to ensure that the sale process can be brought to a conclusion and ensure that all interested parties are given a fair and transparent opportunity to purchase the Farm, the Council has decided to sell the Farm by way of a public auction.”

Cllr Kilmister went on to explain that it is sound practice that local authorities should dispose of surplus land wherever possible.

“Generally it is expected that land should be sold for the best consideration reasonably obtainable,” he said.
“However, it is recognised that there may be circumstances where an authority considers it appropriate to dispose of land at an undervalue. Authorities should clearly not divest themselves of valuable public assets unless they are satisfied that the circumstances warrant such action.

“The General Disposal Consent (Wales) 2003 which enables the sale at an undervalue gives local authorities autonomy to carry out their statutory duties and functions, and to fulfil such other objectives as they consider to be necessary or desirable. However, when disposing of land at an undervalue, authorities must remain aware of the need to fulfil their fiduciary duty in a way which is accountable to local people.

“The Council has not resolved to use the general consent in this matter on the basis that the Farm will create a substantial capital receipt which is essential given the severe financial pressures the Council is presently facing.”

Community

Major accessibility upgrades coming to Tenby Station

Published

3 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

There will be the provision of step-free access to both platforms for the first time

PASSENGERS using the popular West Wales station are set to enjoy easier, more accessible journeys thanks to Network Rail’s upcoming upgrades.

Supported by the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, and the Welsh Government, the project will see the construction of a brand-new fully accessible footbridge complete with lifts.

Once complete, the upgrades will make a real difference for disabled people, parents with pushchairs, and those carrying luggage in the busy town – helping to make rail travel more inclusive and convenient. The investment also supports wider goals to encourage public transport use and reduce carbon emissions across the region.

Network Rail’s contractor, AmcoGiffen, will begin setting up the site compound in December 2025. This will include fencing off an area of the station car park near the air cadet huts, resulting in a temporary reduction in parking spaces.

“We’re delighted to be improving accessibility at Tenby Station, ensuring that all passengers can travel with confidence and independence,” said Helen Hodgson, Senior Sponsor, Network Rail Wales and Borders route.

“These upgrades will make a real difference for everyone using the station and reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable railway for the communities we serve.”

Most work will take place during the day, though some overnight activity will be required while the railway is closed, for safety reasons. The station will remain open to passengers while work takes place. Planned working hours are as follows:

Daytime: 7:30am to 6:00pm
Overnight: 10:00pm to 6:00am

Work will continue throughout 2026, with the new facilities expected to open by Christmas 2026.

Community engagement event

Network Rail will host a public drop-in event for anyone wishing to learn more about the plans on Wednesday 19 November, between 3:00pm and 7:00pm, at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Tenby (SA70 8AP). Members of the project and contractor teams will be available to answer questions and discuss the planned improvements.

Community

Local Legends project celebrates modern Wales — including story rooted in Milford

Published

4 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Digital series voiced by Jonny Owen aims to reconnect communities with the Wales they recognise

A NEW digital storytelling project launched by Welsh broadband company Ogi is shining a spotlight on the real stories of modern Wales — including one rooted in Milford Haven — after new research revealed nearly half of people in Wales feel misrepresented on screen.

Broadcaster and filmmaker Jonny Owen has voiced the first chapter of “Local Legends”, a collection of short films capturing community spirit, humour and resilience across the nation. The series was developed in response to Ogi’s survey which found that forty-five per cent of people in Wales feel disconnected from how Welsh identity is portrayed in TV and film, with two-thirds saying the version of Wales they recognise is “invisible”.

Three stories chosen

Earlier this year, people across Wales were invited to submit their own real-life stories. From these, three tales have been selected and brought to life on film:

A Mountain Comeback – Cwmaman
The story of Mike from Cwmaman, who believed his hiking days were behind him after being diagnosed with MS. A community effort helped him achieve something he never expected — a remarkable ascent of Pen y Fan.

Teamwork on Tour – Rhymney
A chaotic rugby tour in the former Czechoslovakia turned into a triumph of pure teamwork after a mechanical problem with a bus forced the squad to improvise and pull together.

Lifting a Nation – Milford Haven
An inspiring incident from Milford Haven that sparked an unexpected journey of strength, determination and community pride — and went on to demonstrate Welsh grit on the world stage.

Owen said the aim of the project was simple: to show Wales as it is lived every day, not as it is often portrayed.
“These stories are funny, moving and completely real,” he said. “They show Wales today — communities coming together, people finding their place, and that brilliant mix of pride and humour we do so well.”

Reconnecting Wales with itself

Ogi says the project is part of its mission to reflect the communities it serves through its broadband rollout across Wales.

Sarah Vining, Brand Marketing Director at Ogi, said: “Local Legends shines a light on the everyday moments that make Wales extraordinary. It’s about connection — both online and off — and celebrating the voices that make this country what it is.”

The first films are now available to watch at ogi.wales/local-legends, and the public is being invited to submit further stories as the collection grows during 2025.

Community

Flood alerts issued across West Wales with more severe weather on the way

Published

6 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued 20 flood alerts across the country as forecasters warn that conditions are set to deteriorate heading into the weekend.

A 24-hour yellow weather warning for heavy and persistent rain has been issued by the Met Office, taking effect from 6am on Friday, 14 November, until 6am on Saturday, 15 November. The warning covers much of Wales, with South Wales expected to bear the brunt of the downpours, although disruption and flooding are also likely elsewhere.

NRW has warned that the wet weather could have a “significant impact” on parts of the country and is urging residents to remain alert and take action to protect themselves and their property.

Alun Attwood, Duty Tactical Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “The yellow rain warning in place from the early hours of Friday and into Saturday could lead to significant impacts across Wales. With rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see flood alerts and warnings issued.

“We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now. You can check if you live in an area at risk of flooding on our website and sign up for our free flood warning service.

“We do not provide flood warnings for flooding from surface water, so it’s important for everyone to know their flood risk.

“If there is flooding we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. We want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and do not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don’t know what lies beneath.

“Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit our website for the latest information on flood warnings, and find practical advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.”

At present, 20 flood alerts are in force across Wales, meaning flooding is possible in the following areas: