Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Extension to closure-threatened toilets breathing space not adopted

Published

on

A CALL for a moratorium on halting potential public closures in Pembrokeshire until next March was not backed by senior councillors at their May meeting.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet approved the Local Toilet Strategy 2023 – required under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 – at its April meeting.

It is intended to help address the current challenges faced by local authorities in continuing to sustain provision during times of substantial financial pressures.

Although not connected to the toilet strategy recently passed, concerns had previously been raised about the potential closure of some toilets in the county.

A report heard at the February meeting of Cabinet listed 30-plus toilets at potential risk of closure if community asset transfers to town and community councils weren’t agreed, or funding streams not identified.

It was later agreed money from the second homes element of council tax would provide a lifeline for these toilets, up until November, while negotiations with stakeholders including Pembrokeshire Coast National Park continue.

It also included those toilets already in negotiations having a stay of grace until the end of the financial year, and the option of further discussions about potentially keeping open toilets where a strong case was identified.

Late last month, Councillor Huw Murphy, with the support of his 16 fellow Independent Group councillors gave notice of the call-in request for both the toilet strategy and an extension of the period of grace for those at risk of closure.

At the council’s Extraordinary Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee, he had called for the period of grace to be extended to March 31, 2025, later amended at that meeting to March 2024.

At the May 22 Cabinet meeting, Cabinet members discussed the approved ‘call-in’ from the committee.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Rhys Sinnett told members he felt the ‘call-in’ was premature, any change a temporary fix.

Cllr Sinnett again emphasised the council was hoping to keep as many toilets open as possible, with hopes other bodies could take on their running.

Members were told that many discussions with town and community councils about taking on the running of their toilets were ongoing, with two definitely not taking up the option of funding their toilets.

After a lengthy discussion, Cabinet members agreed to endorse the previous Cabinet papers, pointing out that officers had discretion to continue funding toilets to March, where negotiations were ongoing.

Members also agreed to note the concerns of the Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Continue Reading

Business

People in Wales are worried about running out of money in retirement

Published

on

FEAR of running out of money in retirement is rising among those in Wales with more than half (55%) concerned their savings will not last them through retirement, new research from Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) shows (please see the attached press release).

In general, women are more worried about running out of money compared to men. More than half (54%) of women surveyed are concerned about how long their money will last in retirement, compared to only 44% of men. Around 46% of men who are not worried about running out of money in retirement say it is because they have a final salary pension scheme – compared to just 38% of women who have this.

The study by Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of Rathbones Group, among people with stock market investments including pensions, paints a bleak picture – around 55% of those living in Wales are concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This is similar to the UK average of 56%.

Women are more worried than men that they do not have enough money for retirement. Almost two thirds (61%) of women surveyed are concerned, with 18% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This compares to just over half (53%) of men surveyed, with 14% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement.

The Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) study shows that those living in Wales who have yet to retire are realistic about what will happen to their incomes in retirement – 64% expect their monthly incomes to drop on retirement and 36% did not know.

Continue Reading

News

Road closure following serious road traffic collision near Pembroke

Published

on

A ROAD traffic collision involving two vehicle led to the closure of the A4075 between Golden Hill and the Fingerpost Junction near Pembroke, causing significant disruption throughout Monday (MAr 18).

Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 11:30 AM after reports the incident.

The road was closed to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As the day progressed, it became clear that the closure would be extended, with the road likely to remain shut for an extended period.

The accident, described as ‘serious’ by authorities, prompted an immediate response from Dyfed-Powys Police and emergency medical teams.

Early reports suggest that at least one individual has been injured, although the extent of the injuries remains unclear.

Throughout the day, updates from the scene indicated a significant effort by investigative teams to understand the cause of the crash.

By late evening, after more than nine hours of closure, there was a slight reduction in the length of the road affected, AA Traffic said.

The A4075 is a crucial link between Pembroke and the surrounding areas, and its closure has had a noticeable impact on local traffic and commuters.

Emergency services and local authorities have expressed their gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.

Continue Reading

News

Tragic loss of pony spurs campaign for safer roads in west Wales

Published

on

A WEST WALES woman has embarked on a mission to ensure such a tragedy never recurs. Laura Grant, 58, faced an unthinkable ordeal last spring when her Welsh Mountain Section A pony, Katie, was fatally injured on a Carmarthenshire road, leading to a wider call for road safety reforms.

The incident unfolded as Grant, accompanied by a 15-year-old family friend, was enjoying a serene carriage drive with Katie and Billy, a Welsh cob. The tranquillity of their outing was shattered when an impatient van driver’s actions spooked Katie, causing her to bolt into a cattle grid despite her 700 miles of road experience. The tragedy of the situation is compounded by the fact that Katie, a rescue pony lovingly nurtured by Grant for four years, could not be saved.

Grant, devastated by the loss, reflected on the moment, wishing the outcome could have been different. “How I wish I managed to stop her or pulled her into the wall, but it happened so quickly,” she lamented. The incident has not only left a void in her heart but has also paused her passion for carriage driving.

In the wake of this loss, Grant is channeling her grief into advocacy, organising a “Pass Wide and Slow” ride in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, to honour Katie’s memory and promote awareness about safe driving near horses. The event, scheduled for September 14, underscores the urgent need for change.

Furthering her campaign, Grant has initiated a petition for “Katie’s Law” on change.org. This proposed legislation calls for the Highway Code’s advice — to pass horses at no more than 10 mph and maintain a two-metre distance — to be legally binding. The necessity of such measures is underscored by British Horse Society data, revealing 100 traffic-related equine incidents in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion in 2023 alone.

Grant’s advocacy extends to urging the Carmarthenshire County Council for greater consideration of equestrian needs, advocating for the restoration and shared use of old riding routes now converted into cycle paths. “Give us back all our old riding routes… We need equestrian access plans for Carmarthenshire, Wales, or better still, the whole UK,” she implores, aiming to prevent further tragedies.

Katie’s legacy, marked by a gold rosette from the British Driving Society for her carriage-driving achievements, continues to inspire a movement towards safer, more inclusive roads.

As the community mourns a “pocket rocket” who brought joy to many, the call for action echoes loud, driven by a hope that Katie’s loss will pave the way for meaningful change.

Continue Reading

Community1 day ago

Residents hit back after YouTube video shows Milford ‘in decline’

IT’S been the talk of social media this weekend. A YouTube video created by Carmarthen-based Jason Thomas has become the...

Business2 days ago

The Original Factory Shop in Milford Haven to stay open

THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP, located on Charles Street, Milford Haven in the former Woolworth’s premises, has announced it will remain...

News3 days ago

Vaughan Gething to become Welsh First Minister after Labour leadership victory

VAUGHAN GETHING, aged 50, is set to become the first black leader of a European country following his election as...

News3 days ago

Conservative Group stall Council’s plan to build ‘Instagrammable bridge’

THE WELSH Conservative Group on Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Councillor Di Clements today had a “Call-In” accepted, halting the...

News4 days ago

Narberth: Celebrated in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024

THE CHARMING market town of Narberth has been recognised as one of Wales’ finest places to live, according to The...

News5 days ago

£1m boost for Pembroke Port’s floating wind prospects

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a further £1m funding to support the development of floating offshore wind capabilities. The Minister...

Community6 days ago

High tide warning: Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion flood alerts continue

RESIDENTS in towns and coastal areas across west Wales remain under flood alert as high spring tides elevate water levels,...

News6 days ago

Dyfed-Powys Police confirm death of boy, 16, in Clynderwen

POLICE have confirmed the death of a teenage boy on Tuesday in Efailwen area of Clynderwen. The Herald understands the...

Health6 days ago

Patients in limbo as Portfield Dental Practice stops providing NHS care

IN A HUGE blow for dental services in the Haverfordwest area, Portfield Dental Practice has confirmed that it has made...

Crime6 days ago

Dramatic arrest of three men after man hospitalised in assault

THREE men have been arrested by armed officers, at least one with weapons drawn, following allegations of an assault on...

Popular This Week