THE EARLY stages of plans for a potential housing scheme at a Pembrokeshire military training camp, controversially used to house asylum seekers, have been submitted to the national park.

The camp, which has been in existence since 1860 as a military training facility, was prominent in the headlines between October 2020 and March 2021 when it became the controversial base for asylum seekers.

Amid protests from inside and outside its gates, the camp housed up to 250 asylum seekers at the height of its occupancy.

It came under fire from its residents and independent inspectors for its poor living conditions.

After the last of the asylum seekers departed, it was handed back to the MoD by the Home Office, who had previously repurposed it, the camp itself closed in late 2022, and was put up for sale the following year.

During the camp’s usage there were protests from both inside and outside the camp, with more than 200 people protesting at one stage against the plans and numerous arrests made.

The camp housed up to 250 men at any one time, and a 30-strong group of them took to the streets of Tenby in a march to show their unhappiness at what they said was their ‘prison-like’ environment.

At the time of that 2021 protest by the camp inhabitants, a spokesman for Stand Up to Racism West Wales said: “They have had enough of the poor food, bullying from security staff, cold huts, lack of medical care, blocked toilets, poor adherence to Covid regulations (some staff don’t bother to wear masks), lack of mental health support, but above all, being treated as prisoners rather than asylum seekers.

“Things must change.

“They need to be transferred to proper accommodation. Other camps in England are doing this.

“Why not Penally?”

Despite the-then Home Secretary Priti Patel maintaining that there had been consultation with ‘everybody’, a 2021 independent report stated that the Home Office did not consult in advance with local stakeholders – such as those who needed to set up healthcare for residents.

The inspectors were from the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP).

Their report highlighted ‘filthy’ conditions in parts of the accommodation and residents feeling ‘depressed’, ‘hopeless’ and ‘trapped in poor conditions’.

An early stage ‘observations’ application, validated by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, lists “Proposed residential redevelopment of the former Penally Training Camp,” the scheme listed as being received on January 7 and currently being processed.

The national park has been approached for further details about the scheme proposed.

THE UK GOVERNMENT has, for the first time, admitted that Wales has been underfunded in rail infrastructure. However, despite this significant acknowledgment, concrete financial commitments remain absent, raising concerns about the future of Wales’ rail network.

In a letter from Transport Minister Heidi Alexander and Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens, the Government admitted that railways in Wales have suffered from “low levels of enhancement spending” in recent years. The letter follows criticism of underinvestment compared to projects like HS2, which has excluded Wales from its benefits while consuming billions of public funds.

The correspondence recommended prioritising key initiatives, including new stations on the South Wales mainline and upgrades to the Borderlands line between Wrexham and Liverpool, as suggested by the North Wales and South-East Wales Transport Commissions and the Union Connectivity Review. However, it stopped short of detailing how much funding Wales can expect or whether spending levels will align with those in England.

First Minister: A ‘step forward’

First Minister Eluned Morgan called the admission a “massive step forward,” noting during a Radio Wales interview that this marked the first time in 14 years the UK Government has admitted to underfunding Wales’ railways. However, she cautioned that discussions are ongoing and described the Welsh Government’s “long list” of rail projects ready for potential funding.

Morgan reiterated her concerns over HS2, labelling its classification as a project benefiting both England and Wales a “fundamental injustice.” She argued that Wales should receive at least 5% of the HS2 budget—a consequential sum of around £4bn—none of which has yet materialised.

Plaid Cymru: ‘Labour failing to deliver’

Plaid Cymru criticised the First Minister’s optimism, accusing Labour of failing to secure the funding Wales is owed. Llyr Gruffydd MS argued that the letter fails to address the unfairness of HS2 or commit to rectifying the £4bn shortfall. He called for the full devolution of rail infrastructure to ensure Wales receives equitable investment.

Gruffydd said: “The First Minister must be reading a different letter. It does not acknowledge the unfairness of HS2 nor promise to right the wrong of the £4bn consequential owed to Wales. Labour must deliver on their promises if they are serious about fair funding for Wales.”

Calls for reform

Transport experts have echoed calls for substantial reforms. Professor Stuart Cole advocates for the full devolution of rail infrastructure, allowing Wales to manage its transport priorities. Meanwhile, Professor Mark Barry proposes that, in the absence of devolution, Wales should receive a ring-fenced fund of £2bn to £3bn over 15 years to address critical infrastructure needs.

What next for Wales’ railways?

While the UK Government’s recognition of underfunding is a crucial first step, the lack of firm financial commitments leaves Wales in uncertainty. The Wales Rail Board has highlighted immediate priorities, including Metro-style services, new stations, and capacity upgrades. However, with the UK Government citing public finance constraints, it remains unclear whether recognition will lead to real investment.

As spending decisions loom, Wales faces a critical question: will the UK Government back its words with action, or will this become another missed opportunity to rectify decades of neglect?

Photo caption: Underfunded: Wales’ rail network faces an uncertain future despite acknowledgment of funding shortfalls (Pic: Herald).

A 24.5-METRE survey vessel, the MTS Terramare, found itself in a precarious situation after becoming stranded on Newgale Beach on Tuesday (Jan 14). The vessel, reportedly involved in cable work, sparked curiosity and concern among locals as it remained grounded throughout the day and into the evening.

The boat arrived at approximately 7:00am but by nightfall, its predicament had worsened. Witnesses reported seeing the vessel broadside onto the beach, with waves pounding its deck and flashes of electrical arcing visible on board. Concerned onlookers gathered on the shingle ridge to watch as the drama unfolded.

At 6:28pm, HM Coastguard called on St Davids RNLI for assistance. The all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched at 6:40pm, navigating through the darkness to reach Newgale. Sea conditions were challenging, with three-to-five-foot surf waves crashing onto the pebble bank at high tide. Upon arrival, the lifeboat’s daughter boat was deployed to assess the situation.

The vessel, weighing 100 tonnes and suffering from an engine failure, was unable to maintain its position and had been driven onto the pebbles. With water inundating the deck, the RNLI team considered various options to assist. Efforts to use salvage pumps and set up a towline were deemed unfeasible due to the vessel’s size, weight, and the dangers posed to the lifeboats and volunteer crews.

The crew of the MTS Terramare safely disembarked onto the beach, and with no lives at risk, the RNLI teams stood down. The Norah Wortley returned to station by 8:20pm, ready for its next call-out.

RNLI Coxswain Will Chant explained the decision to leave the vessel: “The RNLI mission is to save lives at sea, and we endeavour to save boats if possible. However, it is beyond our remit to salvage. In this instance, the size of the vessel and its position broadside to the beach compromised a tow. Once assured the crew were safe ashore, there was nothing further our lifeboats could do.”

The incident has drawn attention from the local community, with a dozen spectators gathering to witness the stranded vessel. Questions remain about how the MTS Terramare will be recovered and what led to its grounding.

The Herald will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

Brave effort: St Davids RNLI battled challenging conditions to assist the stranded vessel (Pic: The Pembrokeshire Herald).