News

School locks pupils out of toilets over concerns about vandalism

Published

2 years ago

January 23, 2024

A PEMBROKESHIRE secondary school which opened its new campus just over a year ago, has been compelled to restrict access to some of its toilets following incidents of vandalism.

Haverfordwest High School reports significant damage and misuse of the facilities by a number of pupils.

This decision, however, has sparked concerns among parents regarding the hygiene standards at the school.

A concerned parent, in an email to The Pembrokeshire Herald, highlighted that the school, which accommodates around 1,500 pupils.

Reportedly, out of 12 toilet units, only six are available to students at different times of the day. The Herald has learned that as many as 24 toilets have been locked for several weeks, with the school administration yet to communicate when they will be reopened..

This has led to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in the remaining toilets, as described by another worried parent. Accounts detail unsettling scenes of unclean seats, fecal matter on walls, and rampant littering. The growing frustration among parents is palpable, particularly concerning the health risks posed to their children in such an environment.

The issue is compounded by what is claimed to be a lack of response from the school administration. One parent alleges that after sending daily emails to Haverfordwest High VC School for a week without response, a recent phone call was initially met with denial, only to be acknowledged when evidence was mentioned.

An anonymous source stated: “At least 24 toilets have been locked for over a month. The open toilets are often filthy, with broken seats, urine on the seats, litter, and frequently no toilet paper. Many children avoid using them during the day, which is detrimental to their health. Despite five unanswered emails last week, I finally received a callback today. The head is firm on not reopening the other toilets, citing misuse by a few students. However, this seems unfair to the majority who behave appropriately, and I suspect they are violating the required toilet-to-pupil ratio.”

In response to inquiries from The Pembrokeshire Herald, a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council stated: “The School had taken the difficult decision to limit access to toilets due to concerns over the way in which pupils had previously been treating the facilities.

“This has allowed members of staff to closely monitor the toilets used in an effort to identify the limited number of pupils causing mess and damage and to discourage pupils gathering in toilets to improve promptness to lessons.

“The access has been regularly reviewed to ensure there were no queues or pupils unable to access facilities and that they were suitably equipped.”

The council spokesperson added: “The School has this week opened an additional block of toilets and will continue to review the situation regularly.”

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

16 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

17 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

18 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.