News

Narberth’s old library declared ‘surplus’ and will be up for sale

Published

2 years ago

May 24, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

NARBERTH’S old library will go up for sale following the backing of senior councillors.

At the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, the St James Street library was declared surplus.

The building – a former chapel – was declared surplus as Narberth is to get a new library as part of the redevelopment of the town’s former Narberth CP school site, which is expected to be handed over to Pembrokeshire County Council by local developers Andrew Rees and Charles Salmon – of Narberth Old School Developments – in early June.

Once it is handed over, the library will be fitted out ahead of its scheduled opening in early 2024.

A temporary library is currently operating in the town’s Bloomfield House Community Centre while repairs are undertaken at the St James St site.

The St James Street site – operating since the 1980s – will continue to provide library services in Narberth until the new library is completed.

Whilst a capital receipt will be generated from the disposal of the former Narberth Library, £55,000 of it will be required to fund the £55,000 budget pressure on the new library project, a report for Cabinet members stated.

At the May 22 Cabinet meeting, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change Cllr Paul Miller described the new town library as “another good news story in my book”.

He said the new library would compare favourably with other new libraries in Haverfordwest and Neyland, as well as the forthcoming South Quay library in Pembroke.

He praised the role of all involved in the new library, adding: “This is an example of us investing in our communities”.

Cllr Miller finished, saying: “Without ‘honking on,’ three brand-new libraries in the last few years, it’s just a microcosm of going back to investing in our communities, it’s one of the many services where we are making a difference.”

The report for members said other options for the old library had been considered: “The council could decide not to dispose of the asset and instead try to repurpose. However, no service has expressed an interest or budget identified to deliver the works necessary to the property to make it suitable for any alternative use.

“The council’s Corporate Asset Management Board have considered the future of the asset and deemed it surplus. Retention of the asset would require a change of use (a planning application), substantial capital and the identification of an end user.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

3 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

16 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!