Community

Ambleston Community Council discusses local projects, and future improvements

Published

11 months ago

August 19, 2024

AMBLESTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL convened on Monday, July 29, at the Ambleston Memorial Hall, addressing a variety of local issues and planning for the future. The meeting, held at 7:30 pm, was attended by Councillors Dai Ambrey, Carly Skyrme, Kevin Morris, Julian Harries, Gareth Owen, County Councillor David Howlett, and Clerk E Forrest. Apologies were received from Rosie McDonald.

The minutes from the previous meeting on 24th June 2024 were approved and signed. A key update concerned the ongoing situation at Withyhedge Landfill, where a decline in reported incidents on social media was noted. Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) is continuing with its prosecution efforts, with a court appearance scheduled for mid-September.

The council also discussed the upcoming litter pick events scheduled for September, which will cover the areas of Woodstock, Wallis, and Ambleston. Councillor Gareth Owen will coordinate the collection of necessary equipment from Fishguard Leisure Centre, and details will be shared on Facebook.

Councillor Ambrey provided an update on the “Working Better Together” seminar held on 23rd July. The seminar included a discussion on the Boundary Commission report and a separate session for clerks, though attendance for the latter was low.

Two planning applications were discussed, both involving alterations to local properties. The first, application 24/0088/PA, sought to alter the roof height and install photovoltaic features at 9 & 10 Nant yr Eglwys, Ambleston. This application was refused due to the absence of a required bat survey. A similar issue was noted with application 24/0366/PA, a resubmission for a rear extension and conversion of a side barn, which was also previously refused due to the missing bat survey.

A significant discussion took place regarding the Wallis Pond project. Councillors Ambrey and Eirian Forrest recently met with representatives from Nestlé and others to plan the works, which are expected to commence at the end of August or early September, weather permitting.

In other business, the council is progressing with plans to develop an Ambleston Community Council website. A training session with PCC is scheduled for 24th September, with further work to be conducted later in the year. The website is expected to be operational by the end of March 2025.

Councillor Carly Skyrme and Councillor Ambrey also explored the potential for applying for an Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant. However, the Chapel in Ambleston was deemed unsuitable as a venue for development due to its size and lack of facilities. Meanwhile, initial research into solar panel grants has begun, though more work is needed.

Councillor David Howlett shared information on the planned decommissioning of non-compliant streetlights in the area. Four lights in Wallis and one in Woodstock are set to be turned off as part of cost-saving measures.

Additionally, a community issue involving a swarm of bees settling in the Wallis post box was brought to the council’s attention. Despite attempts to resolve the situation, including the placement of a bait box by Howard Prior, the bees remain. The matter will be reported to Royal Mail for further action.

Training opportunities for councillors were discussed, with Councillor Skyrme expressing interest in attending sessions on New Councillor Induction and Understanding the Law. Clerk Forrest will apply for a bursary to cover these training costs.

The meeting concluded with the scheduling of the next council meeting for 23rd September 2024 at 7:30 pm. The council continues to focus on addressing local issues while planning for future improvements in the community.

Community

Cardigan residents rally in solidarity with Palestine

Published

11 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Peaceful protest calls for ceasefire and highlights local arms links

CARDIGAN residents came together on Saturday (July 5) for a peaceful demonstration outside the Guildhall, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people.

***Supporting Gaza: Protester outside Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)***

Protesters held placards reading “Ceasefire Now”, “Free Palestine”, and “Stop Bombing Gaza”, while waving Palestinian flags. The rally was one of a series of similar events held across Wales and the UK in recent weeks, including in Aberystwyth, Swansea, Cardiff and Bangor.

Campaigners also handed out leaflets raising concerns about QinetiQ, the weapons technology company that operates the MOD-Aberporth site at Parcllyn, near Cardigan. The leaflet claims QinetiQ is involved in the testing and training of drones and missile systems used in conflict zones.

As part of the protest, demonstrators promoted a forthcoming public meeting organised by the group West Wales Against Arms. The meeting is due to take place at 7:00pm on Monday, July 14, and will focus on what organisers describe as the complicity of local companies in the war in Gaza.

One protester told The Herald: “We are here because we believe ordinary people should speak out against war and occupation. Silence helps no one.”

Community

Public meeting to discuss future of Fishguard Library

Published

20 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Consultation explores options to reduce running costs and secure long-term future

A PUBLIC meeting will take place at 6:30pm on Monday (July 14) at Fishguard Town Hall to discuss the future operation of Fishguard Library, as part of a public consultation being run jointly by Pembrokeshire County Council and Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council (FGTC).

The consultation explores potential models to reduce the running costs of the library and ensure it remains financially sustainable in its current location. One option under consideration is a Community Managed Partnership Library, supported by local volunteers. The public meeting will focus on how such a model might work and gauge whether there is sufficient local interest to make it viable.

FGTC is currently considering taking over the management of Fishguard Town Hall through a Community Asset Transfer. A joint working group of PCC and FGTC members has been set up to assess the options and gather public feedback.

The consultation begins on Thursday (July 10) and runs until 5:00pm on Wednesday, August 20. Documents will be available online at:
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/consultations
Paper copies will also be available in English and Welsh at Fishguard Town Hall from the same date.

The six options under consideration are:

Relocate the library to smaller premises elsewhere in the locality
Share the existing library space with a third-party such as a shop or café
Increase the annual financial contribution from the Town Council
Reduce the library’s opening hours
Create a Community Managed Library Partnership
Close the library and replace it with mobile provision

All options are explained in more detail in the consultation documents.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We know how important the library at Fishguard Town Hall is to local people. Alongside Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council, we are working to strike a balance that secures library provision while delivering necessary savings.

“Please take the opportunity to read the consultation documents and attend the public meeting on July 14 to learn more.”

A spokesperson for FGTC added: “We know how valued the library is by our community and want to see its fantastic service continue. At the same time, we must recognise the need to reduce costs. We encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and join the public meeting.”

Community

Councillor slams ‘inconsiderate’ fly-tippers after roofing waste dumped in Pembroke

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Receipt found in rubbish pile passed to authorities for investigation

A COUNTY councillor has hit out after a pile of building waste, including broken roofing slates, timber, insulation, and packaging, was illegally dumped on a roadside verge in Pembroke.

The fly-tipping incident occurred at the top of Norgan’s Hill, where a mound of slate tiles and other construction debris was discovered discarded next to a gate leading into the countryside.

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the fly-tipping was not only antisocial but also a financial burden on residents.

“Big thank you to those inconsiderate individuals who chose to illegally dump their leftover roof slates at the top of Norgan’s Hill,” Cllr Grimes posted on social media.

“That’s now going to cost us, as council tax payers, to have the council send out a team to collect and properly dispose of your waste. It’s completely unacceptable.”

The Herald understands that among the items left in the pile was a shop receipt with identifiable details on it. This has been handed to the relevant authorities in the hope that the individuals responsible can be traced and prosecuted.

Under UK law, fly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by fines of up to £50,000 or even imprisonment.

Pembrokeshire County Council has been notified of the incident and is expected to remove the waste in the coming days.

Cllr Grimes urged anyone with information about the fly-tipping to contact the council or Dyfed-Powys Police, and reminded residents that legal methods of disposal, including local recycling centres and commercial waste services, are readily available.

“This kind of behaviour shows a complete disregard for our community and environment,” he said. “It will not be tolerated.”