Education

Willhome Farm Barn’s fate to be decided by planners

Published

1 month ago

July 31, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PREVIOUSLY refused Pembrokeshire farm barn attraction, which has gained a 2,600-strong petition of support is to be decided by councillors rather than planning officers following impassioned pleas about the value it provides.

Late last year, Stuart Williams of Home Farm, Leweston, near Camrose, was refused retrospective permission by planning officers to retain the Willhome Farm Barn farm park – and ancillary buildings – built in June 2022.

The site – whose facilities were used by council educational providers and parents of children with learning difficulties – is home to rabbits, llamas, donkeys, poultry, owls, goats, ponies and pigs, along with a café building, public conveniences, a children’s play area, and parking.

It was refused due to highway safety concerns and fears it would generate additional foul water flows which are likely to result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River.

Since the refusal by planners, a change.org petition, Grant Planning Permission for Willhome Farm Barn in Pembrokeshire, was set up by Hook-based Jessica Austin, which has attracted more than 2,600 signatures to date.

Jessica’s petition said: “This decision not only affects this resilient family but also impacts schools attended with over 6,000 pupils, by adults from local wellbeing centres and families with children who have autism or learning difficulties like mine.

“It’s important to note that there are no apparent issues with existing amenities. Roads or waterways. The refusal of planning permission seems unjustified and is causing unnecessary distress within our community.”

Earlier this year, the applicant submitted a fresh call – supported by local community council Camrose – for permission to be granted, which was again due to be decided by planning officers.

At the request of local county councillor, and former council leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, a special meeting was held to discuss whether a decision could be made by councillors rather than officers.

At the Pembrokeshire County Council planning delegation panel meeting of July 30, it was recommended that the application was not considered by the planning committee, for the reason that the criteria have not been met.

Cllr Adams, speaking at the meeting, said the petition showed the scheme had a wider impact than just the Camrose area: “We had a petition from Jess Austin, the mother of two children with acute learning needs; she brought her children to this facility and their lives changed; the younger child had never spoken before the interaction with the animals at the barn.

“The petition; that does demonstrate an interest outside the area of Camrose.”

He added: “This particular farm has had an issue with TB in cattle for many years, it was so severe the animal Health department took the whole herd from the farm, which probably led to them considering how they view their future; I feel it needs public consideration.”

He listed the many bookings for the site, including schools, dementia carers, and council social services, adding: “This isn’t a straightforward application for a farm park bolted on to the site of a working farm; it cannot be described as a simple application because of the offer being provided. The planning committee would have the opportunity of a site visit and greater understanding of the application within our community in its broadest sense.”

Committee member Cllr John Cole moved the matter be decided by committee, saying highway issues could probably be overcome.

He was seconded by Cllr Aled Thomas, who said the petition showed there was “a significant amount of people showing their support” for the scheme, adding: “I do think it’s really important we have an open and honest discussion about this; I’m overwhelmingly in support of Cllr Cole’s call for it to be in public discussion.”

Members unanimously agreed to remove delegated powers for approval or refusal, on the grounds it is complex and sensitive and would benefit from a public examination of the merits, meaning the application will be heard at a future planning committee.

Education

Back to school reminder of free primary school meals

Published

4 days ago

September 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AS the new school year is with us anyone with children in full time Primary are reminded that hot and cold lunches are available every day for free.

Pembrokeshire County Council extended the Universal Free School Meals initiative last September after free meals for all those in Year Two and below was introduced by Welsh Government earlier that year.

There is a two week rolling hot food menu offering tasty, nutritious, balanced food inclusive of all dietary needs. Popular choices include pasta bolognaise, meatballs, and chicken wrap.

There is always a sandwich or jacket potato option for children each day if they do not fancy a hot meal.

All your child has to do is to pick their meal option each morning at registration.

Concerned about allergies – our dedicated team of nutrition specialists can cater for any child that suffers from a food allergy or intolerance too.

If your child has a specific dietary requirement or restrictions please contact our School Liaison Officer via email [email protected] or telephone 01437 776168.

Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham said: “Last year 925,531 learners enjoyed universal free school meals and we hope to see many more taking advantage this new school year. The catering team at Pembrokeshire County Council do a fantastic job in providing nutritious and tasty meals for your young people.”

The scheme does not replace Free School Meals for those learners whose parents or guardians are receiving qualifying benefits, which allows them to access other financial support for school costs.

This includes claiming up to £200 of additional support for School Essentials if your child is eligible for Free School Meals.

Take a look at the menus on offer on the Pembrokeshire County Council website and why not give free lunches a go!

Education

Four Ceredigion schools could be at risk of closure

Published

1 week ago

August 31, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

FOUR Ceredigion schools could be at threat of closure if recommendations before the county council’s Cabinet meeting of September 3 are backed.

Cabinet members are recommended to back the start of statutory consultations for proposals to discontinue north county schools Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa, Borth, Ysgol Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Ysgol Llangwyryfon, near Aberystwyth, and Ponterwyd’s Ysgol Syr John Rhys.

All four have similar recommendations, to approve a proposal to commence the statutory consultation process to cease to maintain the provision at [the relevant school] with effect from August 31 of next year.

The changes in the fortunes of the four schools are detailed in individual reports for Cabinet members.

Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa has seen numbers decline from 42 in 2020, to 29 in 2024, with a forecast 22 pupils in 2019; the school having 44 surplus places (59 percent surplus), and the cost per pupil amounting to £7,640 against a Ceredigion average of £4,635.

It also lists are predicted school budget deficit for 2025 of £3,368.

Ysgol Llanfihangel y Creuddyn numbers in the report are: 30 (2020), 19 (2024), 19 (2029), with a 46 per cent surplus of 17, and a per pupil cost of £6,978, with a deficit of £27,488.

Ysgol Llangwyryfon: 46 (2020), 30 (2024), 22 (2029), with a 45 per cent surplus of 25, and a per pupil cost of £6,321, with a deficit of £23,916.

Ysgol Syr John Rhys: 25 (2020), 22 (2024), 19 (2029), with a 46 per cent surplus of 18, and a per pupil cost of £7,949.

The report says that Ysgol Syr John Rhys also has maintenance backlog costs of £77,500.

In the individual reports it is suggested Craig Yr Wylfa pupils could be moved to nearby Ysgol Talybont or the schools acting as one school on two sites; Ysgol Llanfihangel y Creuddyn and Ysgol Llangwyryfon either forming a partnership with Ysgol Llanilar, or all pupils could transfering to Llanilar; pupils from Ysgol John Rhys pupils transferring to another nearby school, or a federation formed.

Ahead of the discussion on the future of the schools, a report for Cabinet on each school says: “Subject to Cabinet approval, it is therefore intended to proceed to statutory consultation.”

It adds: “If no alternative is suggested, the proposal paper will be presented to the Learning Communities Overview and Scrutiny Community for information before undertaking a Statutory Consultation. Cabinet should be satisfied that implementation would be the most appropriate response to address the key challenges identified as the reason for proposing discontinuance of the school.”

Following consultations, the final decision to close any school would be undertaken by full council.

Welsh language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith has said that if the Cabinet votes for such a consultation, they would immediately submit a complaint to the Minister for Education, saying that the council is not fulfilling its educational duties and is going against the School Organisation Code.

On behalf of the Cymdeithas yr Iaith Education Group, Ffred Ffransis said: “Not only are Ceredigion Council intent on undermining a number of Welsh-speaking communities and emptying them of younger families, but the whole process is also completely contrary to the presumption in favour of maintaining rural schools which is an essential part of the 2018 edition of the Schools Organisation Code. Ceredigion have looked at these schools in the context of trying to make immediate savings to their budget, and have therefore adopted a practical presumption against maintaining the schools, which are being asked to justify their existence despite their academic success.

“Furthermore, the Government Code insists that all other options must be considered while proposals are still at a formative stage – that is before a proposal is made. Yet the officials are proposing going to a statutory consultation on their established option and invite comments on other options during statutory consultation. If the Minister allowed Ceredigion to get away with this blatant disregard of the principle of presumption in favour of rural schools, then the whole government policy would be discredited.”

Community

Fun days support families over summer holidays

Published

2 weeks ago

August 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Pembrokeshire County Council Early Years Integration Team has been working in the Tenby and Fishguard areas to support families with children 0-7yrs for a summer of fun.

The Team works closely with Midwives and Health Visitors to run groups and parenting sessions for families from pregnancy onwards.

For summer the team ran some Family Fun Sessions as the school holidays can be very long, especially with the inconsistent Pembrokeshire weather.

They teamed up with local schools to ensure a ‘Plan B’ indoor space was available for all six sessions.

Three sessions took place in each area and luckily all but the last had sunny weather so the families were able to make use of the great outdoors.

The Play Works Grant was accessed to provide fruit pots and healthy wraps that families were able to create. The Healthy Preschool Practitioner from Hywel Dda University Health Board gave her time at each event to ensure this ran smoothly.

Local charities and organisations were invited to support the events, including Family Information Service, ASD Family Help who provided circus skill activities and general outdoor equipment and Citizens Advice Bureau who provided some fun colouring and badge making that incorporated messages around budgeting.

Small Woods brought a new dimension to the sessions with fantastic nature activities that saw children and adults creating brilliant bunting and willow wands.

Volunteering Matters rounded up some of their local volunteers who supported each event to provide a range of interesting activities including making crowns, light catchers and lanterns, as well as a drumming session and board games.

The families provided some great feedback as well as all the providers enjoying the atmosphere.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “These series of events have been so much fun and brilliant support for the families involved across the summer. My thanks go to everyone who has been involved.”

A total of 84 adults and 165 children attended the Tenby sessions with 60 adults and 106 children attending the sessions in Fishguard.

With the Early Years Team providing other activities for families to enjoy together, it created lots to do for all ages, a particular favourite was children face painting their parents!

Plant Dewi Project Worker Carys came along to provide some interesting ‘messy and sensory’ play and promote a new group (see below).

The Early Years Team are joining Plant Dewi to provide a new Families Together Group starting in St Teilo’s Church Hall, Tenby on Wednesday 4th September and running every week 9.30-11.30am.

To find out more information about what is going on in your area please contact Helen on 07774900140 email [email protected] and follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EYITeam/