News

Tenby: Cabinet supports new swimming pool for town

Published

3 years ago

September 6, 2022

James Hemingray

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council’s Cabinet has given its support to a new swimming pool being built in Tenby.

The current pool was built in 1973 but has been described as ‘tired’ and ‘not fit for purpose’.

It attracts a large number of visitors and school visits each year and is described as a ‘key local facility’ in the Cabinet report.

Tenby South councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall submitted a notice of motion, calling for a working group to be set up to look at preferred options for a new site.

At the Cabinet meeting on Monday (Sept 5) she called for a ‘speedy’ review and decision.

Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall said: “This is not about if, but about and inevitably where. It does seem odd with all focus on the cost of living crisis to be talking about swimming pools but we should be clear we are not talking about luxuries.

“This is about well-being, health and fitness. The town, that this weekend will be hosting Ironman for the tenth time, we should not underestimate the impact it has made in focussing people’s minds on better health or the contribution that swimming makes to better physical and mental health.

“We also know that a new pool is required as part of the integrated health and leisure options in south Pembrokeshire.

“We also know that access to Bluestone has changed. There is a commercial opportunity and a chance to give access to fund swims for residents across the county.

“We have an ageing pool, not fit for purpose and creeking through each repair and maintenance programme.

“My concern, and the reason for the notice of motion, was that people were drifting off with a range of ideas for a location of the pool and grand master-planning exercises.

“My concern is that something happens to the existing pool whilst we are still talking about a location to replace it.

“We need a speedy review of location options and to make an equally speedy decision about a preferred location.”

Cabinet member Rhys Sinnett said: “We agree as a cabinet that a group does need to be set up where we would like to see some flexibility, it doesn’t need to be politically balanced. I think looking at the local membership in the south area and around Tenby it is politically balanced anyway but I would ask that we keep this group tight.”

Cllr Sinnett described the pool as ‘tired’ adding that he would like to see a single option being discussed by the group.

Cllr David Simpson said this problem had been ‘on the boil’ for some time adding the setting up of a group was the way forward.

Cllr Paul Miller said he was ‘very supportive’ of the plans to get the issue resolved quickly.

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.