News

Poo would have thought it: 60 of 68 toilets in Pembrokeshire survive the axe

Published

3 years ago

December 7, 2023

SIXTY of Pembrokeshire’s 68 public toilets will be kept open despite fears many more of them were under threat of potential closure, senior councillors heard yesterday, December 4.

Due to financial constraints, the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet listed 34 of its 68 toilets at potential risk of closure if community asset transfers to town and community councils or other sources of funding weren’t agreed.

Since then, there has been good news for some of the closure-threatened toilets, with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority agreeing to fund 10 coastal facilities for two years, and the county council funding Dale facilities from its car parking budget.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting of December 4, members – along with receiving an update on the situation – considered eight exception requests for toilets at risk of closure from town and community councils who feel they have been disproportionately financially affected.

Cabinet members backed a recommendation to continue to fund Tenby North Beach, with investigation of income-generating opportunities such as charging to use or linking to other sources of funding.

It is also backed Abereiddy’s toilets remaining open until March 31, 2025 while funding avenues are fully explored.

Cwm yr Eglwys has been given a June 30, 2024 date, with the facility at Pwllgwaelod to continue.

An April 8 closure date was backed for several other facilities if funding can’t be found: Carew, Moylegrove, Newgale South, and Nolton Haven (the latter both currently closed for the winter).

Conversations are ongoing for town and community councils to either fund, lease or asset transfer seven facilities, including Newport Parrog.

Facilities at Abercastle, Amroth East, Bryn Road St Davids, Creswell Quay, Kilgetty, and Neyland Marina will stay open until April 8, after which time they will be closed unless funding has been agreed.

An exception was made in the case of Newport Parrog, with an extension to September 30, due to complexities at this site.

A 50 per cent funding offer for Bosherston toilets for two seasons by the National Trust was refused, with an April 8 closure date on the cards.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said positive progress had been made “in seeking to sustain a network across the county,” with “complex and delicate negotiations with stakeholders”.

Cllr Jon Harvey said he was proud of the work that had gone on, adding: “To get to a situation where we have saved so many through cooperation is extremely positive; 60 of 68 are effectively remaining open, an excellent, excellent result.”

He asked if further negotiations with the “rather wealthy charity” the National Trust could take place over Bosherston, with the possibility of the trust funding the toilets 100 per cent, with Cllr Sinnett agreeing to further discussions.

Cllr Neil Prior said the potential toilet closures were “a difficult decision driven by the funding crisis we’ve been facing,” adding: “Officers and members have worked incredibly hard to get us to this point, nobody wanted to close any toilets.”

Council leader Cllr David Simpson said: “It’s wonderful we’re saving 60 out of 68 toilets, a very reasonable and sensible solution in the end; we might be able wangle a few more to stay open.”

Legal avenues are being explored for two facilities with a view to close Burton and Oriel Y Parc St David’s, with facilities at Marloes village now closed as no alternative funder has come forward.

The decision on the Tenby toilets was welcomed by Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan and local county councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall after the meeting.

Tenby Town Council have agreed to fund costs of keeping the toilets open in Upper Frog St, which means that there will be no toilet closures in the town.

Cllr Morgan said: “This is good news for the town, and I am grateful that Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet listened to our strong case.”

Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall praised the decision and thanked the cabinet for their support, adding “Sometimes things take time to sort out, but we have been working hard behind the scenes and I am delighted at the outcome.”

In the north of the county, Cllr Huw Murphy welcomed the news the Pwllgwaelod public toilets will remain open.

“Cwm yr Eglwys toilets (seasonal opening) remains a work in progress but will remain open until at least June 30 while efforts to secure funding to retain permanently are ongoing.”

Pictured: Mayor of Tenby Cllr Dai Morgan and County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall celebrate on hearing the news Tenby’s North Beach toilets will remain open. Picture: Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall (Image: Tenby Town Council)

Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after A44 collision near Aberystwyth

Published

14 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged following a single-vehicle collision on the A44 near Capel Bangor, Aberystwyth.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened on Tuesday, June 30.

Owen Rhys-Jones, of Dol-y-Bont, Aberystwyth, has been charged with attempted murder, dangerous driving, and controlling and coercive behaviour.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before court.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are asking anyone who was in the Capel Bangor area at around 8.50pm on Tuesday, June 30, to come forward.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a disturbance in or around Capel Bangor, or who may have phone, video or dashcam footage of the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police through the force’s dedicated online portal.

The force said: “We would like to thank the local community for their support while officers have carried out extensive enquiries, and to those who have supported our investigation so far.”

News

A40 closed near Llandeilo following collision

Published

14 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SECTION of the A40 in Carmarthenshire has been closed in both directions following a collision.

The road is currently shut between Llandeilo and Nantgaredig, with traffic queuing in the area and emergency services attending.

Drivers are being urged to avoid the route where possible, allow extra time for their journeys and follow the diversions in place.

The closure is affecting traffic on the A40 between Carmarthen and Llandeilo, including the area around Pentrefelin and the Castle Dryslwyn turn-off.

This is a developing incident and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Local Government

Award-winning Saundersfoot sauna faces refusal over location concerns

Published

14 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to allow an award-winning outdoor sauna to remain permanently at Saundersfoot Harbour have been recommended for refusal by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners.

Hwyl Outdoor Sauna, run by Kerry Evans, was granted temporary two-year permission in June 2024 for a mobile wood-fired sauna at the harbour.

The business has since become a popular feature with residents, visitors and cold-water swimmers, and was named Sauna of the Year 2026/27 at the Wales Prestige Awards earlier this year.

***Saundersfoot’s cold-water swimmers are sauna regulars. (Image: Hwyl Outdoor Sauna)***

***Hwyl Outdoor Sauna (Image: Hwyl Outdoor Sauna)***

Ms Evans has now applied to make the siting permanent, but officers are recommending refusal when the application goes before the National Park Authority’s development management committee on Tuesday, July 15.

A supporting statement submitted with the application said the sauna had “become a popular and valued amenity for both residents and visitors, offering a space focused on health, wellbeing and community connection”.

It added: “The overall sentiment within the village has been strongly supportive, with many residents recognising the sauna as a valuable asset that enhances the amenities in Saundersfoot.

“Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has received positive attention in regional and national press, helping to promote Saundersfoot as a destination for coastal wellbeing and outdoor experiences.

“Media coverage has highlighted the sauna as an example of the increasing popularity of sea swimming and sauna culture around the UK coastline.”

Saundersfoot Community Council has raised no objection to the application, and most of the 19 letters submitted by members of the public support the proposal.

Supporters have described the sauna as “a major asset to the village,” “a wellness landmark for Saundersfoot,” and “a unique offering that attracts visitors to the beach and harbour”.

However, some objectors have said that while they support permanent consent in principle, they do not believe the sauna should remain in its current position because it “obstructs the view of the beach from the promenade”.

In their report to committee members, National Park officers say the proposal, in its current form and location, would harm the setting of the Saundersfoot Conservation Area.

The report states: “The application, in its current form and with the proposed location of the sauna, is considered to result in a landscape impact that harms the setting of the Saundersfoot Conservation Area.

“The sauna is also located in a position which reduces public access along the existing promenade route, which is considered to prevent appropriate access from being achieved.

“In addition, since the temporary permission was granted, planning advice has been updated and there is now a requirement for a Flood Consequences Assessment in this location. The lack of a suitable Flood Consequences Assessment results in insufficient information to support the current application.”

Officers also note that the latest application includes additional development, including a booking office which has already been installed, meaning the overall scale of the proposal is greater than the scheme approved on a temporary basis in 2024.

The report adds: “Following consideration of the implementation of the temporary permission and given the greater extent of the current proposal, it is considered that the visual impact of the sauna and related booking office has now increased and could be reduced by locating the sauna further back in the car park.

“This would also have the benefit of the sauna not requiring relocation during severe weather and increased flood risk.”

The application is recommended for refusal on the grounds of visual impact, impact on the conservation area, reduced public access along the promenade, and the absence of a suitable Flood Consequences Assessment.

Committee members will make the final decision at the July 15 meeting.