News

Extension to closure-threatened toilets breathing space not adopted

Published

3 years ago

May 23, 2023

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.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

15 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

17 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

17 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle