News

‘No public toilet closures budgeted for this financial year’

Published

3 years ago

July 18, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

NO public toilets are planned to be closed in Pembrokeshire as part of budget savings this financial year, councillors heard.

At the July 13 meeting of the county council, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance Alec Cormack made the assurance in response to a submitted question by Cllr Aled Thomas.

Cllr Thomas had raised the issue as part of a wider submitted question covering budget saving options highlighted ahead of this year’s budget and possible public toilet closures.

In his submitted question he referenced a budget public consultation report which included: “The most controversial proposal closure of public toilets and/or transferring them to other operators eg town and community councils is not included for 2023-24.

“This proposal was included in the budget consultation and was ranked as the least acceptable option in the Environmental services section. Public toilets attracted the single largest number of comments and there were 111 comments describing the importance / benefits of public toilets and / or the negative impacts of closure / general opposition to closure.”

Cllr Thomas, in his submitted question, added: “Members of the public have seen the Cabinet take the decision to press ahead with public toilet closures this financial year despite both of the above points.”

He also asked for a list of budgetary saving measures as well as the anticipated financial year cost saving and impact on free reserves that have been, or are expected to be taken this financial year that were not included in the Budget Saving Options document.

Cllr Cormack disputed the statement by Cllr Thomas on public toilet closures, adding that no definitive list of additional budget savings had yet been defined, but a detailed report was expected in September.

He stressed: “No public toilets are budgeted for savings in this financial year, they will all stay open.”

In a supplementary question, Cllr Thomas responded: “Can you assure me that no public toilets will close in this financial year?”

Cllr Cormack replied: “I’m happy to confirm that no public toilets are planned as budget savings in this financial year.”

He said those at the risk of potential closure, if no agreements with outside bodies – such as town and community councils – can be negotiated, are budgeted to close in the next financial year.

“There is no financial pressure to close any toilets this year, toilet closures will be on the potential budget savings for next year.”

The ‘Band B’ list of some 30-plus public toilets under threat of potential closure were outlined earlier this year.

Councillors have previously heard some public toilets close seasonally as a matter of course.

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

7 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

7 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.