Community
Ambleston Community Council discusses local projects, and future improvements
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.
Charity
More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day
A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.
The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.
A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.
Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.
A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”
Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.
Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.
Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.
“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.
“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”
The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.
For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.
Community
Children enjoy special day out at Folly Farm thanks to Rotary support
Packed lunches donated by local businesses as Narberth and Whitland Rotary treats youngsters to memorable trip
CHILDREN from across the area enjoyed a fun-filled day at Folly Farm on Wednesday (June 10), thanks to the efforts of Narberth and Whitland Rotary and the generosity of local businesses.
The annual “Children’s Day Out” saw youngsters treated to a special visit to the popular Pembrokeshire attraction, where they were able to enjoy the animals, rides and activities on offer.
Narberth and Whitland Rotary said the trip was made possible through the support of several local organisations and businesses who helped ensure the children had an enjoyable and well-catered day.
The Rotary club extended special thanks to The Plas in Narberth for providing packed lunches for the children attending the trip.
Additional refreshments were also donated, with Jack Williams supplying a generous selection of fruit and CK’s contributing bottled water.
Rotary organisers said the children had a “great day out” and praised Folly Farm for welcoming the group and helping to make the visit a memorable experience.
A spokesperson for Narberth and Whitland Rotary said: “All of the children had a great day out and special thanks go to Folly Farm for welcoming us all.”
The club regularly organises community activities and events aimed at supporting local families and young people across the Narberth and Whitland area.
Photo caption: Day to remember: Children enjoy a special outing to Folly Farm organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary (Pic supplied).
Community
Chapel’s call for time extension for Sunday school classroom while funding sought for permanent structure
A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire chapel to keep a temporary classroom used as a Sunday school while funding for a permanent building is sought has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Rev Jennifer Gough, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, seeks permission for the retention of a temporary classroom at Bethlehem Chapel, Bethlehem, near Haverfordwest.
A supporting statement says: “The chapel maintains an active congregation with Sunday school provision. The temporary classroom gained planning permission in 2017 and comprises a portacabin arrangement located to the west of the chapel. It comprises a single classroom internally and simple elevations. The structure is temporary with all services located within the existing chapel.
“Planning permission was originally granted in 2018 for temporary consent for the classroom. This has been reissued twice [in 2020 and 2022 schemes] whilst the chapel secured funds and agreed designs to allow for a permanent solution.
“This application seeks to renew consent for the temporary classroom which lapsed in February 2026, to allow for a final period of use of the temporary arrangement.
“Work is underway to submit a long-term, permanent arrangement to secure a classroom for the Sunday school but future planning and building work could still take some time. Therefore, to future proof the Sunday School and continue to support the congregation, further temporary permission is sought.”
It adds: “All features of this application remain the same as previous, with no additional arrangements proposed. There will be no foul output generated from this proposal.”
In finishes: “Overall, this application seeks to retain the temporary classroom for one further period to allow a permanent solution to be submitted into planning and subsequently be built, all whilst supporting the existing Sunday school and maintaining a functional congregation and chapel.
“The temporary classroom has been deemed appropriate under previous applications and there are no changes proposed, with all detailed matters remaining acceptable.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
At the start of the year, an extension to the chapel, for community activities, was approved by planning officers.
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