Community
Save Our Libraries exhibition opens in Pembroke Dock
A COMMUNITY art exhibition is opening in Pembroke Dock as part of a campaign highlighting concerns over the future of libraries and community galleries in Pembrokeshire.
The Save Our Libraries exhibition is running at Pembroke Dock Library and Community Gallery from Monday, September 15 until Friday, 26 September. It features 22 large-scale works, some up to eight feet tall, by artist William Gannon and others.

Originally conceived to explore questions of authenticity in art, the exhibition has since developed into a protest against austerity and what campaigners say are threats to library and gallery services.






Campaigners’ concerns
A statement displayed at the exhibition warns: “This community gallery could close at some point in 2026. The library opening hours have been cut. All of this is being done because Pembrokeshire County Council is not being given enough money by the Welsh and Westminster Governments to protect basic services such as libraries and Day Care Centres across Pembrokeshire.
“This library plays a huge part in the community life of Pembroke Dock. It is a safe warm space where everyone can come to read and study, play and learn and display and view art.
“That’s what this exhibition is about – one final exhibition of all the big pieces that are too big to fit anywhere else in case the Community Gallery finally closes.”
Campaigners have also criticised Pembrokeshire County Council for altering the wording of a petition they submitted. The original text called on the council to lobby the Welsh and Westminster Governments for more funding. They say the published version instead implied the petitioners themselves were lobbying, removing the call for the council to act.
Council response awaited
The Herald has asked Pembrokeshire County Council whether it will give a categorical assurance that no libraries – including Pembroke Dock – will close or see reduced hours in 2025/26. We have also asked the council to explain why the wording of the petition was changed, and under what policy.
The council has previously said there are no confirmed plans to close Pembroke Dock Library, but opening hours were cut earlier this year as part of a wider savings drive. Following a public consultation, the library reduced its hours from April, now closing at 1:00pm on Thursdays and 4:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The council has acknowledged financial pressures on library services across the county and has sought feedback on options ranging from shorter hours to shared premises, but insists Pembroke Dock Library remains open as a valued community facility.
The Save Our Libraries exhibition runs at Pembroke Dock Library until Friday, 26 September and is free to enter.

Community
New illustrated heritage map unveiled in Narberth town centre
A NEW illustrated heritage and wayfinding map has been installed in Narberth town centre, highlighting the town’s rich architectural history, cultural heritage and key landmarks.
The hand-drawn map has been created by local artist Fran Evans and is part of a wider project aimed at improving interpretation and the visitor experience in Narberth.
The panels have been installed at two prominent locations: the undercroft, also known as Rebecca’s Cell, at the rear of the Old Town Hall, and the existing external display frame at the side of No.47, adjacent to the town’s museum.
Developed and delivered by Narberth Town Council, the project has been funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, with additional match funding provided by the Town Council.

The illustrated map features detailed drawings of historic buildings, local stories and notable points of interest. It is designed to function both as a practical guide for residents and visitors navigating the town, and as a visual celebration of Narberth’s heritage.
Town councillors say the project forms part of a broader effort to enhance how the town’s history is presented in public spaces, making it more accessible and engaging for those visiting the area.
The Town Council has indicated that further information about the project, including background details and images of the newly installed panels, can be made available, along with comments from the artist and council representatives.
Community
Views sought on Pembrokeshire Age Friendly Communities
PEMBROKESHIRE residents aged fifty and over are being invited to share their views as part of a new consultation on Age Friendly Communities across the county.
The survey focuses on how older people experience life in Pembrokeshire and what helps them maintain a good quality of life as they grow older, both at home and within their local communities.
Participants are asked to reflect on their later years, including how well communities support older residents, and the role played by statutory services, voluntary groups and community organisations.
An Age Friendly Community is defined as a place where people are supported to age well, remain living in their own homes for as long as possible, take part in activities they value, and continue contributing to their communities.
The Age Friendly Communities approach was developed by the World Health Organization in 2007, following consultation with older people worldwide. It is based on evidence about what supports healthy and active ageing and places older residents at the centre of shaping the communities they live in.
Responses from the consultation will help inform the Pembrokeshire Age Friendly Communities Strategy and Action Plan. This will be developed in partnership with organisations including Hywel Dda University Health Board, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the voluntary sector and Pembrokeshire’s 50+ Forum.
Further information is available on Pembrokeshire County Council’s Have Your Say webpage. The online survey must be completed by February 15, 2026.
Community
Bethlehem Baptist chapel set to undergo expansion
A CALL to extend a chapel and hall near Haverfordwest to provide much-needed space for activities has been given the go-ahead by Pembrokeshire county planners.
Reverend Jenny Gough, through agent Sureline Design Services Ltd, sought permission for an extension to Bethlehem Chapel and its attached hall, in the village of Bethlehem.
A supporting statement said: “Bethlehem Baptist Chapel, located on the outskirts of Haverfordwest has 45 adults in membership of the church at the present time ranging from 19 years to those in their mid-90s. In addition, on a Sunday we have a further 46 adults in regular attendance and 11 regular under 16-year-olds.
“The growth of the church fellowship in the past ten years has necessitated the provision of a portacabin in church grounds which is a temporary measure, intended to be removed once the proposed extension to the church hall is completed.
“Whilst the church is currently providing various community activities, we are limited in the number of people who can attend and often find that we are restricted in the services we would like to provide due to the space available.
“Allied to this, the need to meet public standards for disabilities, parking, health, and safety and the need for an extension becomes ever more pressing. The project aim is to provide a first-class facility that will enhance the community, be a welcome lift to the area, and enable existing and new activities to be undertaken in a pleasant, warm, accessible and welcoming environment.”
It added: “Over the last four to five years it has become increasingly clear that the current building facility could not meet the needs of its users, nor hope to satisfy the ever-increasing regulatory demands placed on facilities that are open to the general public.”
The chapel hosts many activities including adult and toddler/baby group, ladies craft group, community lunch group, bereavement peer support group, dementia support group, primary school children’s holiday clubs, secondary school youth clubs, young adult groups, Christian teaching groups and social events.
“Since many of these activities are well attended, we are often lacking space in the building. For some larger gatherings we are forced to use halls in the communities around us, which increases our workload for holding the events in having to transport necessary equipment.
“The main result is that we are not holding events to our full potential, if more space was available at Bethlehem Chapel, we would be able to hold more events to benefit the wider community with what we are already providing.”
The application was conditionally approved by officers.
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