News
Second homes money lifeline for public toilets
PEMBROKESHIRE second homes council tax premiums will help provide a lifeline for public toilets under threat of potential closure if a decision by senior councillors is backed.
The council’s Cabinet, meeting on Monday, February 13, considered a report on public toilet provision in the county, that proposes 30-plus toilets -many in seaside towns and villages – could be under threat of closure from November, unless community asset transfers to town and community councils are agreed, or funding streams are identified.
A difficulty for any local councils who want to take over their toilets is they may have already decided their precept for the year, the report for members warned.
It suggested a one-year sum of money – £360,000 – be made available from the affordable housing provision collected from the second homes tax premium, be used to keep toilets open while any negotiations take place.
Second homes are currently taxed at a 100 per cent premium in the county.
“This temporary funding would be used to cover the contract costs of the facilities at risk of closure for one year whilst other arrangements are explored and implemented,” the report said.
At the February 13 meeting, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Councillor Rhys Sinnett stressed: “We’re not looking for closures, in fact we want to save as many as possible, but we need other organisations to support us. We know the toilets are valued, that’s exactly why we’re looking for sustainable funding models.”
He said the report before members made “uncomfortable reading,” adding: “It is simply not possible to sustain the current provision.”
He said a “big however” was using a section of the affordable homes funds derived from second homes council tax premium to temporarily support the provision of public toilets.
Later on in the February 13 meeting, Cabinet members agreed to use part of the second homes premium to subsidise a lower council tax for the county, the same general pot of money being available for the public toilets.
Councillor Michelle Bateman said: “It can’t be easy to bring a report like this to Cabinet; I hope this won’t lead to a wholesale closure of toilets; we have to consider things we might not even have thought we’d be looking at a few years ago.”
The recommendation before Cabinet, which was approved, is to close all PCC funded toilets listed in Group 2, where legally able, from November 5, unless a community asset transfer is agreed – which would be in place by next March – or a funding stream identified, giving those that do a period of grace to March 31 of next year.
It included the option of – backed by Cabinet members – of using an element of the Second Homes Council Tax Premium.
The use of the second homes premium subsidising council tax – which could affect the toilets subsidy – will have to be agreed at the March 2 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.
Toilets under review include: Abercastle; Abereiddy; Amroth East; Angle; Bosherston; Burton; Broad Haven; Millmoor Way; Carew; Cresswell Quay; Cwm Yr Eglwys; Dale; Freshwater East; Kilgetty; Little Haven; Manorbier; Marloes; Moylegrove; Newgale South; Newport Beach; Newport Parrog; Neyland; Nolton; Penally; Poppit Sands; Porthgain; Pwllgwaelod; Saundersfoot; Solva; St Brides; St Davids Bryn Road; St Davids; Oriel Y Parc Tenby North Beach; Tenby Upper Frog Street; Wisemans Bridge.
Business
Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery celebrates opening of second shop in Narberth
A LOCAL pet treat business has celebrated a major milestone after opening its second shop on Narberth High Street.
The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery welcomed customers through the doors of its new Narberth store on Saturday, marking the latest stage in the growth of the independent business founded by Ali and Kelly.
Despite the hot weather, the opening attracted a strong turnout, with customers visiting to explore the bakery’s range of nutritious and colourful treats for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.
The new premises joins the company’s established Haverfordwest store, allowing the team to serve customers from two Pembrokeshire town centres.
Ali and Kelly said the opening had been the result of years of hard work, determination and belief in their business.
They said: “What started as a big dream is now a reality, and seeing everyone flock through the doors on Saturday, despite the heat, has been one of our proudest moments to date.
“We are still pinching ourselves, to be honest, and it probably won’t sink in for a while yet.”
The pair also thanked residents and neighbouring businesses for the warm welcome they had received since arriving in Narberth.
They added: “The response and support from our friends, followers, customers and visitors has been absolutely incredible.
“Thank you doesn’t seem to cut it, but thank you all so very much. We are a little overwhelmed.”
The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery specialises in fun and nutritious handmade treats, with products available for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small pets.
The owners said they were now looking forward to building on the success of the opening weekend and continuing to serve customers in both Narberth and Haverfordwest.
The new shop adds another independent name to Narberth’s busy High Street, which is widely known for its mix of locally owned shops, cafés and specialist businesses.
Picture caption: Ali and Kelly outside the new Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery shop on Narberth High Street.
News
Sea Sunday service at St Davids honours those with lives shaped by the sea
SEAFARERS, lifeboat crews and all those whose lives and livelihoods depend upon the sea were remembered during a special service at St Davids Cathedral on Sunday (July 12).
The annual Sea Sunday service, known in Welsh as Sul y Môr, brought worshippers and representatives of the wider community together to recognise the contribution made by seafarers and to pray for their safety and wellbeing.
The service was held at 11am and sung by St Davids Cathedral Choir, with the sermon delivered by the Revd Dr Jonathon Wright, Priest-in-Charge within the Greater Dewisland Ministry Area.
Among those attending were the Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, the Dean of St Davids, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Deputy Lieutenant Roger Smith and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Andrew Phillips.

Sea Sunday is marked by churches and maritime communities around the world each July. It provides an opportunity to remember the people who work at sea, often spending long periods away from their homes and families while facing isolation, dangerous conditions and unpredictable weather.
It also recognises the vital role played by those working in merchant shipping, fishing, rescue services and ports.
The Mission to Seafarers has chosen “Harbours of Hope: The Church Alongside Seafarers” as its theme for Sea Sunday 2026, highlighting the practical and pastoral support offered to crews in ports around the world.
More than 90 per cent of the goods used in everyday life are transported by sea, making the work of seafarers essential to communities and economies across the globe.
That connection has particular meaning in Pembrokeshire, where the sea remains central to the county’s identity.
The coastline supports commercial shipping, fishing, tourism and watersports, while RNLI volunteers and other emergency services regularly respond when people get into difficulty around the coast.
St Davids RNLI had encouraged members of the community to attend Sunday’s Cathedral service, which offered a moment to give thanks for all those who work on or beside the water.
Bishop joins the dancing
Following the service, the occasion took a more light-hearted turn when Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan joined visiting members of Whitchurch Morris outside the Cathedral.
The Diocese of St Davids jokingly described the moment as “dance-bombing”, as the Bishop and Canon enthusiastically waved handkerchiefs and attempted the traditional steps alongside the dancers.
A video of the performance quickly attracted a warm response online.
Margaret Nock commented: “Not all bishops would do that! Da iawn.”
Helen McDermott added: “Fantastic! Aren’t we a lucky Diocese.”
Others praised the Bishop’s dancing, while several people said they wished they had been at the Cathedral to see the performance.
Whitchurch Morris were visiting Pembrokeshire as part of a planned weekend of traditional dancing with Wessex Morris Men and Treacle Eater Clog.
Their appearance provided a colourful conclusion to a service which combined prayer, music and reflection with a celebration of the communities whose lives remain closely connected to the sea.
WATCH Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan join the Morris dancers in the video below.
Business
Iconic Tenby music shop Dales opens new branch in Carmarthen
ONE of west Wales’ most recognisable independent music retailers has expanded into Carmarthen with the opening of a brand-new Dales Music Store.
The family-run business, which first opened in Tenby in 1947, has become a favourite destination for generations of music lovers, known for its extensive range of vinyl records, musical instruments, guitars, music accessories and merchandise.
Now, after almost 80 years in business, Dales has opened a second branch on Blue Street in Carmarthen, bringing its distinctive yellow-and-blue branding and passion for music to the county town.
The new store offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vinyl, guitars, musical instruments, equipment, accessories, gifts and official band merchandise, catering for everyone from experienced musicians to collectors and casual music fans.
The expansion represents a significant milestone for the long-established business, which has evolved from its roots as a piano retailer into one of Wales’ best-known independent music stores while remaining family owned.
Owners say they are excited to welcome customers through the doors of the new Carmarthen branch and hope it will become a hub for the local music community, offering the same friendly service and specialist knowledge that has made the Tenby store a trusted name for decades.
The arrival of Dales also provides a welcome boost to Carmarthen’s independent retail scene, giving shoppers another reason to visit the town centre and supporting the area’s growing reputation as a destination for independent businesses.
Photo caption: The Dales team outside the new Carmarthen store on Blue Street, marking the opening of the iconic Tenby music retailer’s second branch.
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