News
£578,000 project taking place at Milford Haven Wastewater Treatment Works

WELSH WATER has announced that it will be conducting a one month-long project at Milford Haven Wastewater Treatment Works.
The project is costing £578,000, and works will be taking place in Milford Haven between Monday, November 22 and Thursday, December 23.
The refurbishments to Milford Haven Wastewater Treatment Works is ‘to improve its performance.’
Welsh Water has also announced that throughout the month, there and no planned road closures and that the organisation does not ‘anticipate any impact to customers’ wastewater services.’
A spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “One of the main things we do at Welsh Water is provide customers with a first-class wastewater service.
“Of course, we regularly invest in our assets to ensure that they continue to do this and as such will be carrying out refurbishments to Milford Haven Wastewater Treatment Works to improve its performance.”
Charity
Tesco branches in Pembrokeshire help raise £40,000 funds for Air Ambulance

SUPERMARKET staff and their customers have raised an incredible £40,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity in tribute to the team reaching 50,000 missions earlier this year.
Twenty-five Tesco Extra and twenty-three Express stores have taken part in a fundraiser which spanned from Milford Haven, up to Aberystwyth across to Caerphilly.

Regional store managers Nicola McGuiness and Vanessa Martin worked with their teams to “create something special” after learning the lifesaving service had supported many of its staff members’ family and friends.
Martin, who runs an Express store in Swansea, said: “A colleague’s father, had a health emergency and needed the air ambulance, so we all felt it was a really important cause to get behind.”
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

The service is pan-Wales, and Matt Bourne who runs a Tesco Extra in Bridgend said it was important to reflect that by trying to get as many stores as possible across the country involved.
He said: “It has been fantastic working together across the Tesco family. We have been able to bring together all our colleagues from the Extra stores, like Bridgend where I work to the express stores like Martin’s in Sketty.”
Matt is a keen runner who oftens takes on big challenges like marathons and ultra marathons. He said: “Given my record, when I first reached out to colleagues, they were quire apprehensive.
“But once they knew we were organising a slightly smaller do-able walk, they were delighted.”
Around forty staff took part in a 12-mile hike along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path from Freshwater East to Broadhaven South on 15 September 2024. Local landlord Nigel Land, from Jack’s at the Longhouse provided shelter, hot drinks, and cooked food for the team.
Matt said: “It was great to catch up with so many people who we’ve worked with in the past who have moved to other stores, and I hadn’t seen for years.
“It was a positive experience, not only because we’re helping a great local charity, but just to catch up and take some time out in the beautiful Welsh country.
“We were super grateful that Nigel at Jack’s at the Longhouse – stepped in and saved the day too – he really looked after us all.”
Each store has organised their own fundraisers from second-hand book sales, cake bakes too sponsored fitness challenges.
Matt continued: “There were running and cycling events in store, with gym machines brought in.
“The ones fortunate enough to have close links with their local air ambulance base managed to get pop up banners, which looked great.”
He added: “We’ve felt the love from customers running groups, cycling groups, motorbike groups, people that have had lots of experience with the Welsh air ambulance.
“This has been such an easy thing to raise money for because people are so enthusiastic about the charity, which encouraged us to keep going.”
Larger stores were set a £1,500 target, whilst the smaller ones were tasked with raising £250.
Matt said: “There’s been a playful sense of competition between a few of the large stores, including Haverfordwest and Carmarthen who raised £2,300 between them.
“I think once we get the final figure, everyone will feel a real sense of pride.”
He added: “It was a bigger hill for the smaller stores to climb too, so it’s great that the larger ones did so well. They’ve done a brilliant job.”
Martin who lives near the air ambulance’s base in Dafen near Llanelli, says he often sees it taken off from the back garden of his home.
He said: “It’s one of those things that you fundraise for, but you never want to have to use because you know it’s only coming to you if you are seriously unwell or injured.”
The whole team have been over-whelmed by the kindness shown to them. Local suppliers like Braces Bread donated £500 and a signed Swans shirt appeared on Martin’s desk.
He said: “I only mentioned on our store Facebook page what we were doing and a female customer messaged saying she’d get the team to sign this season’s shirt.”
Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
Martin said: “It costs such a huge amount of money each year to run and what we have raised in comparison is a real drop in the ocean.
“But over these past few months, everyone we’ve spoken with and told what we were doing have been very positive about supporting the cause.”
He added: “I think most people don’t realise how much these clinicians do at the scene. It has educated us about the work the air ambulance does.
“It is one of those things that you want to help fundraise for but never want to have to use because you know they are only coming to you if you are seriously unwell or injured.”
The Tesco team recently visited Wales Air Ambulance’s airbase in Dafen, to hand over a cheque for £40,000. Martin said: “It’s so fascinating to actually come and see the base. When you do the fundraising and your challenges, you don’t think about the area where the helicopter comes from, or the people involved.
“But just coming here and seeing the facilities and the clinicians, it has been incredible to see everything up close and in action. We were here when the team were called out and watched it take off and then return.
“It’s just an eye opener to watch behind the scenes what actually goes on, we are just so happy to have been able to raise as much money as we have for such a great cause.”
Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity said: “We were hugely proud to complete 50,000 missions earlier this year, but we could not have done it without fundraisers like this.
“The team at Tesco have been incredible, they really pulled out all the stops to make this happen and it has been wonderful for my colleagues Abi Pearce and Christian Sullivan and I, to support them along the way.
“To raise just over £40,000 is an incredible feat! It has been inspiring to see how everyone has pulled together. We are hugely grateful to all the staff and customers who made this possible.
“Each mission costs around £2,900, one hour of aftercare with our patient liaison team costs £31- so this large donation will really make a huge difference to so many people and help save lives across Wales.”
Education
Support from Blue Gem Wind boosts outdoor learning in Pembrokeshire

THE PEMBROKESHIRE OUTDOOR SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP (PODS) has received a significant boost in the form of a £7,500 contribution from Blue Gem Wind. The funding arrived at a pivotal time for the outdoor education initiative, enabling projects that connect learners with Pembrokeshire’s rich outdoor spaces, including its National Park.

One of the key focus areas to benefit from the funding was the development of bespoke learning resources for the Courage and Community – RNLI 200 Cymru exhibition, which is being hosted by Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre until June 2025.
The resources have been designed to engage learners with the vital work of the RNLI, whether they’re able to visit the exhibition or not. Put together by Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools to include a range of partners, including the Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Darwin Science, RNLI, Pembrokeshire Marine SAC, the Field Studies Council (FSC) and Câr y Môr, they cover topics such as renewable energy, coastal wildlife and Pembrokeshire’s maritime heritage.
Bryony Rees, Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools Co-ordinator, said: “This funding has enabled us to develop engaging learning resources that bring the work of the RNLI to life. By exploring Pembrokeshire’s coastal heritage and maritime communities, these materials provide meaningful learning opportunities for children in and beyond the classroom.”
The funding also supported a landmark outdoor learning experience for Year 8 pupils from Henry Tudor School in Pembroke, who took part in a hands-on programme at Newgale Beach. The visit explored topics such as climate change, recreation management, geology, and ‘art in the environment,’ using the stunning coastal setting as an open-air classroom. Delivered by PODS in collaboration with the National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, and local geologist Sid Howells, the sessions gave students a unique opportunity to connect with nature while deepening their understanding of these important themes.
As part of the programme, National Park staff trialled mobility equipment, enabling two students with additional mobility needs to fully experience the beach’s dynamic and challenging terrain.
David Jones, Stakeholder at Blue Gem Wind, said: “We absolutely loved taking part in some of the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools activity days, particularly doing it in collaboration with other partners and bringing renewable energy to school children in the outdoors. Providing funding for this crucial project allows us the opportunity to support future activity and highlight the exciting careers renewable energy could provide for young people in Pembrokeshire.”
PODS is co-ordinated by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and supported by a network of specialist organisations, teachers and local authority advisors. It aims to enable learners to benefit from high quality outdoor learning experiences, encouraging children to become fully engaged with and confident in their local environment. Further information about the partnership can be found at https://pembrokeshireoutdoorschools.co.uk.
Education
Welsh university crisis deepens as Bangor announces 200 job cuts

THE FINANCIAL crisis gripping Welsh universities has worsened, with Bangor University announcing plans to cut 200 jobs in an effort to save £15 million. The move follows similar measures at Cardiff University, which is set to axe 400 positions, and the University of South Wales, which will shed 90 jobs and shut down several courses.
Bangor’s Vice Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke outlined the university’s dire financial position in an email to staff, citing a drop in international students, rising costs, and changes to national insurance as key factors. While the university hopes to avoid compulsory redundancies by extending its voluntary redundancy scheme, it has warned that enforced job losses may be necessary.
The crisis has sparked a political row, with Labour’s funding policies and tax hikes under fire. Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, placed the blame squarely on the Labour Government’s handling of higher education:
“Labour’s National Insurance hike continues to heap pressure on industries across Wales and following the similar news from Cardiff University last month, it was inevitable these pressures would ripple across the higher education sector.”
“With universities already grappling with a £100m deficit and Labour’s tuition fee increases making higher education less appealing for many young people, Labour’s funding cuts and tax hikes are now jeopardising the future of our institutions, their staff, and students.”
“After 26 years of Labour failure in education, it’s clear that only the Welsh Conservatives have the solutions to fix these deep-rooted problems and secure a brighter future for Wales.”
The UK Government has also been criticised for immigration policies that discouraged international student enrolment, worsening financial struggles across the sector. Prof Burke noted that some top-tier universities have responded to the drop in international students by lowering entry grades, making it even harder for institutions like Bangor to attract students.
On Tuesday, Welsh Higher Education Minister Vikki Howells announced a further £19 million in funding for the sector, despite stating earlier this month that no extra money was available. However, universities have warned that this support falls short of what is needed to prevent further cuts.
Meanwhile, the University of South Wales has confirmed its own job losses and course closures. The institution will withdraw from some research topics and concentrate on crime, security and justice, health and wellbeing, the sustainable environment, and creative innovation. The university said it is making efforts to limit compulsory redundancies and provide support to affected staff and students.
With the financial future of Wales’ universities hanging in the balance, opposition leaders and university officials alike are calling for a long-term solution to prevent further disruption to students, staff, and the wider economy.
Responding to the news that Bangor University is expected to cut 200 jobs, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “Under Labour, we are seeing the hollowing out of Welsh educational and research institutions. First Cardiff and Lampter and now Bangor with concerns more will follow.
“Labour’s increase in national insurance contributions will have only exacerbated the financial situation being faced by our universities.
“We urgently need to see a review into higher education and research funding in Wales.”
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