News

Secrecy over Milford Haven Library rent as council faces funding ultimatum

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2025

MILFORD HAVEN’S library remains under threat as Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) refuses to disclose the rent it pays to the Port of Milford Haven, despite repeated calls for transparency. During a Milford Haven Town Council (MHTC) meeting on Monday (Feb 10), councillors and residents pressed PCC’s Head of Cultural Services, Mike Cavanagh, for answers on the library’s financial future.

RENT SECRECY

At the meeting, Cllr Lee Bridges demanded to know how much PCC is paying the Port of Milford Haven to lease the library premises at the business park. However, Cavanagh refused to disclose the figure, stating that the Port had asked him not to make this information public.

“My hands are tied,” he said. “I cannot say what the figure is because I have been asked not to by the Port.”

“We are now taking advice from our legal department to see if we can tell you this”, he added.

The revelation has intensified concerns over the lack of transparency in the funding of a statutory public service. Residents and councillors alike questioned why the Port—a Trust Port with a duty to benefit the community—is charging an undisclosed rent for the town’s only library, while PCC claims it cannot afford to maintain the service.

PORT’S FOUNDING PRINCIPLES – HELPING THE COMMUNITY?

The Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) was established under the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1958 as a Trust Port, meaning that unlike private companies, it does not have shareholders and is instead supposed to operate for the long-term benefit of the local community.

According to Trust Port principles, the Port should reinvest its profits for the benefit of Milford Haven and its residents. Yet, the library—a statutory service used by hundreds of residents—is being charged rent that PCC says it can no longer afford.

In 2023, the Port achieved its highest-ever revenue, reaching £41.3 million, despite a decrease in ship calls and cargo volumes. The annual profit stood at £4.1 million. This financial growth is attributed to strong performances in cargo handling, property, hospitality, and tourism sectors.

Former Mayor Cllr Colin Sharp questioned whether the Port’s refusal to offer further reductions was compatible with its duty to support the town, saying:

“Have you spoken to the landlord? It’s going to look like very bad press for that company, which is allegedly a community organisation, if the library can no longer operate.”

In response, Cavanagh confirmed that PCC had asked the Port of Milford Haven for a further rent reduction or a community lease, but they declined.

However, Cllr Nicola Harteveld (Central Ward) defended the Port, saying:

“The Port are a business and can’t be expected to give the library to the town for free, as they already do a lot for the town.”

A STATUTORY DUTY – BUT WHO PAYS?

Under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, PCC has a statutory duty to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” library service for all residents who wish to use it. The law ensures that councils must not close libraries unless they can prove alternative arrangements will meet local needs.

Despite this, PCC has repeatedly reduced library funding in recent years, and Milford Haven Library is now at risk simply because it is in a rented building rather than a council-owned one.

Milford Haven Library remains the only library in Pembrokeshire housed in a rented building after PCC sold its original premises on Hamilton Terrace in 2009 for just £120,000. Since then, PCC has paid the Port of Milford Haven an annual lease—believed to be around £50,000 per year, although the exact figure remains unknown.

In 2018, the rent was renegotiated and reduced, but Cavanagh refused to say by how much.

Now, PCC says it is struggling to afford the cost of the library as it faces a £27.4 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 financial year. The library is under direct threat, with the council exploring alternative options, including:

Relocating the library to a cheaper site, such as the Meads Leisure Centre
Transitioning it into a Community Managed Partnership
Receiving financial support from Milford Haven Town Council

TOWN HALL COULD OFFER A SOLUTION

During the meeting, Cllr Lee Bridges proposed an alternative location for the library to save costs, suggesting that the new owner of Milford Haven Town Hall, local accountant Bruce Evens, may be open to renting space back to PCC.

“The old Town Hall is in the centre of town, and the Murray Suite on the ground floor is not being fully utilised,” Cllr Bridges said. “I know that Mr Evens is a very community-minded man, and I am sure that he would rent back the space to PCC so that the library can be relocated. He has a keen interest in the town and will be willing, I feel, to invest back into the community.”

Cavanagh responded that all options were on the table and that nothing had been decided yet, stating that the council would listen to the public consultation results before making a final decision.

COUNCIL PRESSURED TO FUND LIBRARY

Cavanagh told MHTC that he had narrowed the budget shortfall for the library from £50,000 to £13,000. He then asked MHTC to contribute £13,000 to keep the library open for another year, claiming that Milford Haven was one of only three towns in Pembrokeshire not contributing to their libraries.

“If the town council agrees to fund £13,000, I will give the library all the protection that I can,” Cavanagh said—leading to accusations that PCC is coercing MHTC into taking responsibility for a statutory service it should be funding itself.

Councillor William Elliott thanked Cavanagh for his presentation and confirmed that MHTC would make a final decision on February 24 regarding financial support for the library.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

With MHTC set to vote on funding the library on February 24, the future of the service remains uncertain. If the town council refuses to pay the £13,000, PCC may push ahead with relocation or cuts, potentially reducing services in Milford Haven.

Meanwhile, the Port of Milford Haven’s refusal to disclose its rental charges has sparked renewed calls for transparency, with campaigners considering a Freedom of Information request to uncover how much public money has been spent on rent since 2009.

The public consultation on the library service remains open until February 17, with residents urged to make their views known before the final decision is made.

This is a developing story. The Herald will continue to report on new developments.

Entertainment

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

4 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life

TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy on Saturday (Mar 21) as hundreds of visitors descended on the town for the annual Steampunk Festival.

The highlight of the day came with the much-anticipated Peacock Parade, which saw elaborately dressed participants wind their way through Tenby’s narrow streets, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Residents and visitors lined the route, many stopping to take photos as performers in eye-catching costumes passed by. From brass goggles and top hats to military-inspired uniforms and elegant gowns, the outfits on display reflected the creativity and theatrical spirit of the steampunk scene.

Among the most striking sights were the towering pink flamingo creations, which rose high above the crowds and became an instant talking point. Musicians in period costume added to the atmosphere, playing lively tunes as they marched through the town.

Families were out in force, with children and adults alike enjoying the spectacle. Many visitors had travelled from across Wales and beyond to attend the event, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Tenby’s events calendar.

The Herald understands that local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafés, pubs and shops seeing a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

In addition to the parade, a range of activities were taking place across the town, including markets, performances and themed entertainment centred around the De Valence Pavilion.

Organisers have worked to create an inclusive and welcoming event, with many people choosing to dress up while others simply come along to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The festival continues on Sunday, with further events planned as Tenby remains firmly in the grip of steampunk fever for the weekend.

Photos: Colourful characters take part in the Peacock Parade through Tenby on Saturday (Pic: Gareth Davies).

News

Accidental deaths in Wales rise by 43% as calls grow for urgent action

Published

4 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

More than 1,200 lives lost each year as charity warns of growing public health crisis

ACCIDENTAL deaths in Wales have risen by 43% over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people now dying each year, prompting calls for urgent action from the next Welsh Government.

New figures released by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) show that Wales now has a death rate 22% higher than the UK average, with preventable harm placing increasing pressure on the NHS and disproportionately affecting poorer communities.

Falls remain the leading cause of accidental death, accounting for nearly half of all fatalities. People in Wales are around 24% more likely to die from a fall than those elsewhere in the UK.

RoSPA has warned that the situation represents a growing public health crisis, as it launches its Stronger, Safer Wales manifesto ahead of the next Senedd election.

The charity is urging ministers to treat accident prevention as a national priority, arguing that many deaths could be avoided through relatively simple and low-cost interventions.

Accidental harm is also linked to a range of other risks, including rural road collisions, accidental poisonings, machinery incidents, and dog-related injuries.

The wider impact is significant, with preventable accidents costing the NHS billions, reducing workforce participation, and deepening inequality across Wales.

RoSPA is calling for a range of measures, including improved home safety standards, compulsory water safety education in schools, and stronger road safety interventions.

Among its proposals are mandatory eyesight tests for drivers every three years, better road markings to protect motorcyclists, and tighter regulation of unsafe or counterfeit products sold online.

The charity also wants to see national home safety programmes introduced to support vulnerable households, along with clearer responsibilities for local authorities in managing water safety risks.

Becky Hickman, Chief Executive of RoSPA, said the figures should act as a wake-up call for policymakers.

She said: “Wales is facing a clear and escalating crisis of accidental deaths, and the evidence shows the situation is worsening year on year.

“Behind every statistic is a life that could have been saved with practical, proven interventions.

“We are calling on the next Welsh Government to make accident prevention a national priority, because coordinated action will save lives, reduce inequalities and relieve pressure on the NHS.”

She added: “Accidents are not inevitable. With strong leadership and consistent standards across Wales, we can significantly reduce preventable harm.”

RoSPA says tackling the issue will require coordinated action across government, emergency services, local authorities and industry, but insists that the solutions are both achievable and cost-effective.

The charity’s manifesto is intended to shape future policy in Wales, with a focus on reducing avoidable deaths while easing pressure on overstretched public services.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

6 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/