Community

Giant seahorse sculpture to be built on coast despite backlash

Published

1 year ago

September 29, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A COUNCIL scheme to site a seahorse sculpture and a wind-powered shoal of fish in Fishguard and Goodwick have been given the go-ahead by county planners despite potential safety and loss of privacy concerns.

A Pembrokeshire County Council application to its planners sought full permission for the two sculptures.

They are a five-metre-high wind powered artwork of a shoal of fish mounted and circling around a galvanized steel pole on a paved area outside Ocean Lab, The Parrog, Goodwick, belonging to Sea Trust CIC, and a near-five metre stainless steel sculpture of a seahorse surrounded by seagrass and mounted on a rock adjacent to Marine Walk, Fishguard.

The siting of a community funded sculpture to the on the north of the Ocean Lab was granted by planners back in 2022.

Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council agreed a “non-specified response” to the application. Document for planners listed its response: “Although the sculptures are very striking, there was concern raised over the ongoing maintenance of both of the sculptures being considered.

“Regarding the Seahorse Sculpture, there was also concern raised about safety relating to the design, with the potential of injury to people and wildlife. There does not appear to be anything in place to prevent climbing on the sculpture which has a lot of sharp protrusions, so the town council would like assurance that an appropriate risk assessment has been considered.”

One letter raising concerns about the seahorse sculpture was also received, referring to potential noise, loss of privacy, impact on views, saying it would be overbearing, out of context and character, and does not complement existing artwork and shift in the meaning of space, as well as raising concerns about a devaluation of property.

An officer report said the shoal of fish wind sculpture would feature an anti-climb mechanism, with the lower spikes of the seahorse covered by the seagrass element of the sculpture, which will also act as an anti-climb material.

It also said the sculptures are owned by Pembrokeshire County Council, who would be responsible for their maintenance and will be covered by public liability insurance.

It added: “In regard to the seahorse sculpture, the site is located along an existing formal walkway known as Marine Walk, which is already frequented by walkers and visitors to the area, with the path for the walk at a lower level than the built form to the east and south of the site.

“As such, the scale and location of the development is considered acceptable, whilst being viewed from the north within the context of the existing built form to the south. The proposed design of the sculpture as a sea horse pays due regard to the coastal nature and views from the site towards the harbour from the Marine Walk.

“The backdrop to the site, albeit of a residential nature, the proposed metal sculpture would not have a significantly detrimental impact on its surroundings, which is made up of a variety of materials and form. The proposed sea horse sculpture would be located approximately 16 metres from the boundary to the nearest dwelling, within the context of the Marine Walk path, therefore not having a significantly detrimental impact on the privacy or amenity of the occupiers of nearby dwellings.”

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

47 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.