News

Cabinet u-turn on £1 bus journey for school pupils

Published

5 years ago

February 15, 2021

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council will not implement a charge of £1 per journey for pupils who do not meet the criteria for free school transport.

Cabinet members discussed the charge at their meeting on Monday, February 15, but many said that they had changed their mind since the last meeting.

Cllr Guy Woodham said it did not ‘sit comfortably’ with him that they could be adding an extra burden on families at a time when the number of child poverty cases in Pembrokeshire was the highest in Wales.

In October, the Cabinet agreed that prior to implementation of the charges, a further report would be done on the implications of the potential charge.

Cllr Woodham added that it was an ‘ever-changing situation’ and said that although the net budget contribution had originally been set at £86,000, that figure was now less than £10,000.

The Cabinet member for education moved that they receive the report but that they did not introduce the charges at this time.

Cllr Paul Miller added that he had not been supportive of this and said he had never seen the merit of introducing the charge which could restrict pupil’s access to education settings.

Cllr Michelle Bateman added that she had changed her position and agreed with what Cllr Woodham had said.

The proposal from Cllr Woodham was seconded by Cllr Neil Prior who said he was ‘pleased’ to see other changing their minds and added it was the ‘wrong thing to be doing’.

Cllr Cris Tomos said that rural wards in the north east of county were among some of the areas most impacted adding that buses were running through these wards with empty seats.

Before it was put to a vote, Cllr Phil Baker thanked officers for their report but said he was happy to support the recommendation from Cllr Woodham.

The proposal not to introduce the charge was supported unanimously.

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Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.