A PEMBROKESHIRE pupil is celebrating after her design was chosen as the county’s new Active Travel logo.

Lillian Richards, a Year 6 pupil at Cleddau Reach Primary School, was named the overall winner of a Road Safety and Transport competition which invited pupils across Pembrokeshire to create a fresh logo for Active Travel.

Her design will now be used on Pembrokeshire County Council’s website and social media platforms.

Lillian’s entry was selected from a strong field of submissions, standing out for its bright, colourful style and for capturing a range of Active Travel options.

The winning design was later developed into a final logo by the council’s graphics team, with Tom Banner refining it into a professional format.

Lillian was presented with a certificate and prize at her school by Road Safety Officer Sally Jones.

Speaking after the presentation, Lillian said she was “extremely pleased” to have won and was impressed with how her design had been transformed.

Sally Jones praised Lillian and the wider field of entrants.

She said: “The standard of entries for this competition was incredible. We have some very talented pupils across Pembrokeshire.

“Lillian’s design was thoughtful, hit the brief and was eye-catching. She should be very proud of her work and we are excited to start using the logo moving forward.”

Caption:

Competition winner: Lillian Richards is pictured with council Road Safety Officer Sally Jones.

Concerns raised over Manorbier VC School and Ysgol Clydau

CLAIRE ARCHIBALD MS has raised concerns in the Senedd over the future of rural village schools, following proposals affecting Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and Ysgol Clydau in Pembrokeshire.

The Reform UK Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro raised the issue during the Business Statement, asking for the Education Minister to come before the Senedd with clear answers on rural school closures.

She said communities facing the loss of a local school deserved to know what protection was in place, and whether the current rules were strong enough.

Ms Archibald warned that village schools play a vital role in rural life, particularly for children who benefit from smaller, calmer and more familiar settings.

Speaking in the Senedd, she said: “When a village school closes, the village does not just lose a building, it loses its heart. Families are drawn away, and often the shops, services and community spaces close too.”

She also highlighted the importance of smaller schools for children with additional learning needs, autism, anxiety or sensory difficulties.

Ms Archibald said: “Smaller schools can offer a calmer, more familiar environment. For some children, especially those with additional learning needs, autism, anxiety or sensory difficulties, that is where they are best able to cope and learn.”

She said the issue was especially important at a time when more children were struggling with anxiety, stress and school attendance.

Following her contribution, Ms Archibald said: “Village schools are often central to the life of rural communities. They are places where children are known, families are supported, and communities still have a shared point of connection.

“Once a rural school closes, it is very unlikely to reopen. That is why these decisions must be treated with great care.

“The Welsh Government says rural schools should be protected. But if schools such as Manorbier VC School and Ysgol Clydau can still close despite strong local concern, communities will rightly ask what that protection actually means.

“I am asking the Education Minister to set out clearly whether the current safeguards are strong enough, and what action the Welsh Government will take to ensure councils properly explore every alternative before a village school is lost.”

Ms Archibald had also written to Pembrokeshire councillors before the vote on the future of Manorbier VC School and Ysgol Clydau, urging them to consider the long-term impact on children, families and rural communities.

LUCY HINKSMAN has been officially appointed to Haverfordwest Town Council as the newest representative for Castle Ward.

Cllr Hinksman was welcomed to the council this evening by fellow members, including Cllr Josh Odlin, Deputy Mayor Cllr Adam Benson-Davies, and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner.

She brings experience from her work with People First and is known locally for her advocacy on inclusion, equality, and ensuring people’s voices are heard.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed the appointment, saying Lucy’s commitment to supporting people and strengthening the community would make her a strong asset to both Castle Ward and Haverfordwest.

He said he looked forward to working with her as the council continues its work for the town.