Community
Lido Project tries to allay football club’s fears over Pill Field plan

MILFORD ATHLETIC FOOTBALL club have taken to social media to warn its members and players to consider the impact of a plan to develop their football ground, Pill Field, into a leisure park.
On Facebook, the club said to its members that should anyone be approached by the Lido project, they should “consider the impact on the club”
“Your decision has a significant impact on our future – which has the [prospect] of putting our football club and its 250+ players at risk.”
However, Chairman of the Lido project, Mike Allen, says that the project he is heading is designed to provide a better facility for the community as a whole, and that the football club would benefit from being able to use new, better facilities including a brand new 4G all-weather football pitch.
He told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The Lido Park is part of the strategic plan for the whole of The Rath and surrounding land. Our expression of interest and project plan is driven by the idea that Pembrokeshire County Council requires one organisation to provide expressions of interest on all the parcels of land which require development.
“We are working with 27 stakeholders – to get anything off the ground we need to work together as one”, Mike Allen, who is also a Town Councillor, confirmed.

The Pembrokeshire Lido Park says it aims to benefit the community by the restoration, preservation and maintenance of the paddling and full-sized pool and St Katherine’s Play areas. It is entirely voluntary and not for profit.
The organisation says it is following Pembrokeshire County Council’s directions that a single operator for these areas will be the preferred option in a Community Asset Transfer and is preparing for this scenario.
In their plans they say: “In the St Katherine’s play area, we are trying to deliver a multi-use games area or MUGA which would allow many sports to be played on an all-weather service with maximum access for the disabled and women’s sports.
“The area would use the Tennis Wales Club Spark online access and security access system which is in wide use across Wales to protect from vandalism.
“This system has been very successful in Abertillery and Merthyr Tydfil. Our plan also includes a dedicated coaches’ building for indoor coaching and equipment storage with an on-site tennis coach. As well as this we are planning a new children’s play area with modernised equipment to replace the equipment that has been removed due to vandalism, and a free outdoor exercise equipment (as seen at Pembroke) which can be used for free by all and by freelance personal trainers.
“The priority goal of Pembrokeshire Lido Park would be to have a MUGA built on the space occupied by the old tennis courts.
“The optional goal which was discussed in a spirit of cooperation with Milford Athletic was to have a full size 4G football pitch using the space of the old tennis courts AND would have to also take space inside Milford Athletics’ boundaries.
“The Pembrokeshire Lido Park would need a 4G pitch project to be community owned and open to multiple sports clubs and that is where there is a difference of emphasis with MAFC at the moment. We believe that St Katherine’s is a community wide asset and should go forward on this basis. Plus, funding providers are significantly more likely to support projects that serve multiple organisations.
“There are many sports groups in Milford Haven missing out on sports due to pitch capacity, especially women’s groups and the disabled. Milford Haven Tennis Club is enjoying a tremendous revival too. So we feel it is only fair that the facility is available to multiple user groups.
“A 4G pitch would likely cost five times more than a MUGA and this must be a major consideration of course.
“A key question is of course where all the money is coming from for this type of expensive project. The Pembrokeshire Lido Park will shortly be ratified as a Community Benefit Society very shortly and will follow successes in other Lido Parks across the UK and organisations in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire such as Siop Harvard’s and Brynaman Lido. We have been working towards this goal with the support of PLANED and CWMPAS. This will allow us to raise substantial funds and show financial security to Pembrokeshire County Council in our CAT bid.`

The Herald understands that The Pembrokeshire Lido has formalised support from Tennis Wales, Milford Haven Bowling Club, Milford Haven Tennis Club, Value Independence, Enable Living, Milford Haven Port Authority and 27 support groups in total.
Milford Athletics’ full statement on social media is as follows: “We have decided to release a club statement in relation to Milford Athletic Football Club and the Community Asset Transfer process of our leased land at Pill Field and St Katherine’s walk.
“In recent weeks we have listened to the Pembrokeshire Lido Group (PLG) plans to develop the area into a leisure park. This PLG Plan includes a multi-use all weather facility that will be offered to “multiple” sports teams that are not currently associated with Pill community areas.
“This plan includes developing Pill Field to accommodate the new facility, which has been explained by PLG in our meetings ‘will not be exclusively used by the Milford Athletic Football Club.’
“Therefore this will limit our current land footprint which would stop football for all age groups being played by our club.
“Although constructive dialogue has taken place with PLG, we have decided to no longer remain aligned with the Lido project and wish them success in establishing an outdoor pool.
“It is our intention to keep Pill Field as Milford Athletics’ spiritual home which has been associated with us since 1909.
“We are speaking with consultants to determine the best way to utilise the area to suit both the club and the community which has exciting prospects for everyone associated with the area.
“The Milford Haven Bowls Club, Milford Haven Town Council and the Pill community will be fundamental in dialogue to ensure we offer the best for everyone that uses the Pill field and St Katherine’s area.
“We would like to work with both organisations to establish a working agreement to fulfil the ambition of providing a better space for everyone in the Pill community.
“If as a sports club you have been approached by the Lido project, we would ask you to consider the impact to our club. Your decision has a significant impact for our future, which has the opportunity to put our football club and its 250+ players at risk.
“We are a club that prides itself on community participation and our commitment to the community will always be its priority.”
Community
Port’s support for library already ‘many hundreds of thousands of pounds’

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed that it is providing “significant financial support” to Milford Haven Library, with its total contribution over the lifetime of Pembrokeshire County Council’s lease agreement until 2038 amounting to “many hundreds of thousands of pounds.”
The statement follows public frustration over secrecy surrounding the rent paid by PCC, with officials previously refusing to disclose the figure. Pembrokeshire County Council has now confirmed that the rent stands at £1,921 per month, or £23,052 per year, which accounts for 17.6% of the library’s total running costs.
At a Milford Haven Town Council meeting last week, PCC’s Head of Cultural Services, Mike Cavanagh, stated that he had been asked by the Port not to disclose the rental figure, leading to accusations of a lack of transparency over public spending on a statutory service.
Port responds to criticism

In response to the controversy, Tom Sawyer, chief executive at the Port of Milford Haven, told The Herald: “We have always recognised the significant social value generated by the Library in Milford Haven. It is a true community hub providing vital services and opportunities for people of all ages.”
Sawyer confirmed that the Port had committed to financial support long before PCC’s recent cost-cutting review, stating: “Prior to this public consultation, we had already committed to provide significant financial support to the Library service which, over the lifetime of Pembrokeshire County Council’s lease agreement up to 2038, amounts to many hundreds of thousands of pounds.”
While the Port remains engaged in discussions with PCC and Milford Haven Town Council, Sawyer stressed the broader role of the Port in community funding.
“Each year we set aside around 10% of our annual profits to support organisations, either through direct funding or partnership working, that are delivering three core outcomes: a safe and enjoyable Waterway; a sustainable and resilient environment; and a vibrant and prosperous community. We are proud that due to the Port of Milford Haven’s financial sustainability we will provide almost half a million pounds of community benefit during 2025.”
Despite this, some councillors remain concerned about the decision to charge PCC rent for a statutory service, particularly given the Port’s obligations as a Trust Port to benefit the local community.
Council defends library consultation process

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Library Service, along with other Council services, has been asked to put forward proposals to reduce costs and/or increase income.”
PCC explained that its 2024 Library Needs Assessment had shown that while respondents opposed outright library closures, there was support for reducing premises costs and increasing volunteer involvement.
“Over the last 16 years, Milford Haven residents have enjoyed high-quality library provision in the town at Cedar Court, during which time the Port of Milford Haven has been extremely supportive, and we are grateful for their ongoing support.”
The spokesperson further revealed that the Port has been providing a “markedly discounted” rental rate for the library, stating:
“Recognising the important community role the library plays, the Port of Milford Haven has discounted the rental amount to £1,921 per month, which is significantly lower than its demonstrable commercial value. The rent is currently 17.6% of total running costs.”
Library could still be moved
Despite confirming the discounted rent, PCC has reiterated that it is considering relocating the library to a smaller or cheaper site to ensure its long-term viability. This includes a proposal to move the library to the Meads Leisure Centre, as well as the possibility of transitioning to a Community Managed Partnership.
“The County Council hopes to be able to sustain this high-quality service during these financially challenging times and solutions are currently being sought through the consultation process and ongoing discussions with interested parties.”
PCC has urged Milford Haven Library users and local residents to participate in the consultation, which is open until Monday, February 17.
The consultation can be accessed at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/proposed-changes-to-the-library-service.
Councillors discuss library future at town council meeting

The Milford Haven Town Council discussed the future of the library at their full council meeting on Monday, February 10. During the meeting, councillors debated the potential relocation of the library and the request for the town council to contribute £13,000 towards its running costs.

Councillor Lee Bridges suggested an alternative location, proposing that the library could be moved to the old Town Hall, which is owned by accountant Bruce Evens. He argued that a more central location could provide a better long-term solution.
Meanwhile, Councillor Colin Sharp raised concerns that the Port, as a Trust Port with a duty to benefit the community, should have done more to support the library’s future.
“Have you spoken to the landlord? It’s going to look like very bad press for that company, which is allegedly a community organisation, if the library can no longer operate.”
However, Councillor Nicola Harteveld defended the Port’s position. She said: “The Port are a business and can’t be expected to give the library to the town for free, as they already do a lot for the town.”
The council has not yet made a decision on providing funding, but a final vote on whether Milford Haven Town Council will contribute £13,000 to the library is scheduled for their next meeting on February 24.
What happens next?
- Milford Haven Town Council will vote on February 24 on whether to contribute £13,000 to help fund the library for another year.
- The public consultation closes on February 17, after which PCC will review feedback before making a final decision.
The future of Milford Haven Library remains uncertain, with councillors, residents, and campaigners continuing to push for clarity and a long-term solution.
This is a developing story. The Herald will provide further updates as discussions continue.
Community
Haverfordwest road remains closed after water main burst

A MAJOR road in Haverfordwest will remain closed after a water main burst today (Thursday, Feb 13).
The incident occurred on Shipman’s Lane, prompting an emergency road closure.
Welsh Water confirmed that the road is expected to reopen tomorrow (Feb 14).
A spokesperson said: “Customer supplies were not affected during the work to repair the burst main at Shipman’s Lane in Haverfordwest.
“Due to the location of the burst, a road closure was necessary, and we hope to reopen the road by tomorrow.”
(Image: File)
Community
Christmas council tax amnesty considered in Pembrokeshire

WHILE the bleak February winds blow across the land ahead of hopefully better weather in Spring, senior Pembrokeshire councillors discussed a Christmas festive cheer call earlier this week.
A Notice of Motion by Independent group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, before the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet asked: “That PCC do not issue any summonses for appearance at magistrates court for non-payment of council tax during the month of December.”
It added: “At a Corporate O&S meeting on November 14 [2024] it was disclosed that since April 2024 PCC have sent out 14,000 reminder letters with regards to council tax (late payment) and issued 4,000 summonses for non-payment of council tax, which clearly evidences the financial pressure many Pembrokeshire residents currently face.
“December is for many families a festive month and although the debt does not go away the avoidance of any prosecutions during the month of December in the lead up to the festive holiday will indicate some empathy by PCC towards its residents under most financial pressure.”
A report for Cabinet members said the court issues the council with four weekly hearing dates approximately six months in advance, and Revenue Services does not hold council tax liability order court hearings in December as the pre-allocated dates would mean the hearing could fall close to Christmas Day.
It added that, to meet regulatory timescales, summonses are issued in late November and early December to ensure all documents are correctly served ready for a court hearing in January.
Members were recommended to retain the current practice to issue summonses in November/early December for the court hearing in January.
The report said, as of October 1 of last year, the council had council tax arrears of £7.512m, an improvement from the £8.384m at March 31, with a risk that not issuing any December summonses “would lead to a delay in the recovery of council tax arrears and a subsequent increase in council tax arrears”.
At the February Cabinet meeting, members heard Cllr Murphy was happy to either accept the recommendation or withdraw his motion having received the additional information.
Members agreed to support the recommendation.
Cllr Murphy is no stranger to festive cheer calls; in 2023 asking for the council to overturn a “mean-spirited” decision to end the free collection of trees in Pembrokeshire after Christmas.
That 2023 ‘Christmas tree call-in’ motion, supported by councillors Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Alan Dennison, Elwyn Morse, Michael James and Iwan Ward, was defeated by nine votes to four.
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