PLANS to improve access between Penally and Tenby without using a vehicle are to be discussed at a public information event next week.

The Active Travel proposals feature the creation of a Shared Use Path from Penally village to Tenby Golf Course, for pedestrians and cyclists, and creation of Multi-User Path from Clicketts Lane to Heywood Lane, that will also accommodate horse riders.

There will also be a Shared Use Path from Marsh Road to Clicketts Lane, and from Slippery Back to The Croft along with improvements between North Beach car park and The Green.

The aim is to provide a shared and safe space for all users to be able to commute from Penally to Tenby without using a car or other vehicle.

Drop-in sessions will be held at the De Valence Pavilion, Tenby, on 16th October at 10am-12pm, 1pm-4pm and 6.30pm-8pm.

The sessions will have representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council to answer any questions that may arise.

Following this one-day event, for those who are unable to attend in person, an online public survey will be made available and can be accessed, via: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/consultations.

The online survey will remain available for four weeks concluding on 13th November.

The proposed plans will be available to view on the Pembrokeshire County Council website https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/transport-strategy and hard copies are available at The De Valance Pavilion and County Hall.

Please contact the team at [email protected] or telephone 01437 76455 if you have any questions.

PLANS to rebuild and renovate a fire-ravaged Pembrokeshire seaside pub have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, Pleasure Inns Ltd sought permission for alterations and refurbishment works to the Duke Of Edinburgh Inn, Newgale, including a change of use of first floor manager accommodation and letting units to a bar/restaurant area.

The Duke of Edinburgh was severely damaged during a blaze in the early hours of January 16.

The fire burned through the roof of the two-storey building which consisted of the ground floor pub with accommodation above, causing significant damage.

It took fire crews from St Davids, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Fishguard crews around six hours to bring the blaze under control.

Local community council Nolton and Roch has supported the proposed the works to the pub, saying: “Community Councillors feel the plans are well-considered, attractive and will certainly enhance Newgale, both visually and as an excellent service for tourists and locals alike.

“The Duke of Edinburgh public house is synonymous to Newgale and has been enjoyed by tourists and locals for several generations, and the local community look forward to the planned refurbishments and normal business resuming at the property in the near future.”

A supporting statement, through agent A D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, said: “As part of the proposal, the entire internal layout will be re-arranged and given a complete re-vamp. The ground floor layout will remain as existing, apart from the introduction of a new staircase and lift, providing access to the proposed first floor bar and restaurant areas.

“The entire provision of first floor accommodation will be omitted from the proposed scheme, minimising any risk of impact from the flood zone.  Additionally, the overall footprint of the building will be reduced as part of the proposal, with the existing front entrance porch being demolished and replaced with a ‘post-supported’ balcony above, providing an external seating area to the proposed bar and restaurant areas.

“With the afore-mentioned existing entrance porch being demolished, the proposed main entrance will be located as part of the proposed southern corner glazing, providing an internal glazed lobby, which then provides access into the proposed entrance bar.”

An officer report said amended plans “to incorporate a more traditional appearance to the central part of the public house” had been submitted.

The report, recommending approval, said: “The pub dates back to the turn of the century, having been previously built on the other side of the road according to a historic newspaper article and was moved to the landward side of the road after storm damage.

“The use of the site as a public house has not been lost as result of the fire, and so the principle of restoring the building to its original use is acceptable, and although it is in a flood plain, as it is an existing use and is not being extended beyond the existing footprint, it does not contravene the principles of building in the flood plain.”

It added: “If this were a new-build application, it would be contrary to the principles of the Local Plan, but as it is the refurbishment of an existing building with an existing lawful use, it can be supported.”

National Park planners granted approval with a long string of conditions.

Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) immediately undertook a fire investigation to determine the cause of the fire earlier this year.

“The outcome of the fire investigation was inconclusive due to the extent of damage in the area of the building where the fire most likely first started,” a spokesperson for the service said.

“There were no suspicious circumstances so it will be recorded as accidental undetermined.”

Technology has become a central force in reshaping education in the UK, with its influence continuing to grow. Digital innovations, including AI, are transforming how students learn, how teachers deliver lessons, and how the broader education system operates.

AI in schools and universities

AI’s role in UK education is growing rapidly. Tools are being explored to reduce teachers’ administrative burdens, assist with lesson planning, and provide personalised student feedback. AI-driven platforms can even automate assignment marking, freeing up educators to focus on more important tasks like student engagement and creative lesson development.

AI also offers the possibility of personalised tutoring for students. Through the use of generative AI models like ChatGPT, students can receive bespoke learning materials based on their performance and needs. 

In universities, AI is already making waves. For example, AI-driven data analytics help track student performance and identify those who may need additional support, creating an early intervention system that can improve student outcomes, complementing the academic assistance provided by UK essay writing services.

Enhancing learning and performance

One of the most significant ways technology is improving education is through personalised learning. Online platforms such as Google Classroom and learning management systems provide students with access to resources, allowing them to learn at their own pace. 

This flexibility helps cater to different learning styles and abilities, enabling students to engage with content in ways that suit them best. Additionally, tools like interactive whiteboards and educational apps have brought subjects like maths and science to life, making them more engaging.

In Welsh schools, there has been a push to integrate more digital tools, which is particularly beneficial in rural areas where access to educational resources may be limited. Technology is also supporting Welsh-language education through apps and digital platforms that enhance language learning for students.

Addressing the challenges

While AI brings clear benefits to education, its widespread use poses challenges. Educators worry that over-reliance on AI could reduce critical thinking and weaken student-teacher relationships. Additionally, the “digital divide” remains an issue, with students from lower-income households lacking access to necessary technology. 

The UK government is addressing these concerns by gathering feedback from educators to balance AI’s opportunities and risks. Moving forward, investing in digital infrastructure and skills training will be crucial to ensuring equal access to technological advancements.

The widespread use of AI in universities is also without its challenges. The concerns mainly surround students cheating, as AI can be used to write essays or solve homework problems, potentially undermining the value of traditional assessments. Safeguarding student data and addressing digital inequities are also crucial considerations as more AI tools are integrated into the education system​.

Conclusion

Technology is transforming UK education, creating new opportunities for personalised learning and improved efficiency. As AI becomes more prevalent in schools and universities, it’s crucial to address ethical concerns and potential drawbacks. With the right safeguards and investment, the future of education in the UK will increasingly rely on digital advancements, benefiting students across the UK and Wales.