CONSULTATION DRAWS JUST 25 RESIDENTS AS RUNNING COST ESTIMATES VARY BY TENS OF THOUSANDS

THE PROPOSED transfer of Fishguard Town Hall to the town council has come under scrutiny after documents revealed conflicting estimates of the building’s running costs.

Freedom of Information responses and council documents suggest the historic building could cost tens of thousands of pounds a year to operate, raising questions about whether Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council can afford to take on responsibility for it.

Budget links tax rise to town hall plan

A budget report prepared by Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council shows the authority planning £166,336 in spending for the 2025–26 financial year, an increase on the previous year.

Within the administration section of the proposed budget, the council confirms that £20,000 has been allocated towards the proposed Community Asset Transfer of Fishguard Town Hall from Pembrokeshire County Council.

The document also links a proposed 16 per cent increase in the council’s precept directly to the takeover proposal.

After two years with no increase due to the cost-of-living crisis, the report states the rise is “directly related to the proposed CAT of Fishguard Town Hall.”

The council plans to request a £147,070 precept for the coming year.

Dispute over running costs

However, debate over the plan has intensified after different figures emerged for the building’s running costs.

Pembrokeshire County Council has said the average annual cost of utilities — including gas, electricity, water and sewage — for the building over the past three years was between £25,000 and £30,000.

But other figures circulating locally suggest the costs may be far higher.

One estimate cited by residents claims energy bills alone could be around £47,000 a year.

Separate operational figures released through a county council Freedom of Information request indicate that when staffing, maintenance, utilities and business rates are included, the total cost of running the building could exceed £70,000 annually.

Consultation numbers raise questions

Consultation figures released by the Town Council also show relatively modest public engagement with the proposal.

According to the council, 25 people attended the public consultation meeting held at the Town Hall.

A further 93 paper survey responses and 17 online responses were submitted through the council’s consultation process.

The council has not yet published the draft business plan or energy survey relating to the building, stating the documents are still under review.

Transfer still undecided

The potential Community Asset Transfer of Fishguard Town Hall from Pembrokeshire County Council to the town council has been under discussion since 2024, but the arrangement has not yet been formally agreed by either authority.

If the transfer goes ahead, responsibility for operating and maintaining the building would pass from the county council to Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council.

Supporters of the proposal say it would give the community greater control over the future of the historic building.

However, critics argue the long-term costs could place significant pressure on the town council’s finances.

Licensing authority declines to comment as police confirm attendance at Carmarthenshire rescue centre

AN INVESTIGATION is underway following a visit by licensing inspectors to the premises of one of the UK’s largest dog rescue organisations.

Authorities attended Many Tears Animal Rescue on Tuesday (Mar 10), with Dyfed-Powys Police confirming officers were present during the visit in a supporting role.

Police stressed that their officers were not leading the operation and were only present to prevent any breach of the peace.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told The Herald: “Officers attended the premises in a supporting capacity only, to prevent any breach of the peace. The visit took place without any need of police involvement or intervention.”

Enquiries about the purpose of the visit were directed to Animal Licensing Wales, the body responsible for overseeing animal establishment licensing across Wales.

When contacted by The Herald, Animal Licensing Wales confirmed it could not comment further.

In a statement, the organisation said: “We are unable to comment on this matter due to an ongoing investigation.”

The RSPCA Cymru has also confirmed it was not involved in the visit.

An RSPCA spokesperson told The Herald: “The RSPCA did not attend this premises on March 10 so did not participate in any visit that took place.”

Many Tears Animal Rescue, based in Carmarthenshire, is one of the largest dog rescue charities operating in the UK and is known for rescuing and rehoming thousands of dogs each year.

Founded by Sylvia and Bill Van Atta, the organisation operates from the former Cawdor Kennels site, which it purchased in 2004. The centre houses large numbers of rescue dogs while also working with foster carers who temporarily care for animals before they are placed in permanent homes.

The organisation takes in animals from a variety of sources, including commercial breeding establishments and other rescues, before placing them with new owners across the country.

Animal Licensing Wales operates under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021, which require organisations involved in activities such as animal boarding, breeding, and rehoming to meet strict standards relating to animal welfare, veterinary care, record-keeping, and the management of animals kept at licensed premises.

The nature of the investigation has not yet been disclosed.

Many Tears Animal Rescue has built a significant following among dog adopters across the UK, regularly rehoming animals rescued from breeding establishments, pounds and other rescue organisations. The Carmarthenshire centre is widely known among rescue supporters and veterinary volunteers, with many dogs travelling to new homes across Britain after being rehabilitated at the site.

Investigations involving animal licensing authorities can include inspections of facilities, checks on welfare standards, and reviews of record keeping and veterinary care arrangements. Under Welsh regulations, organisations involved in activities such as boarding, breeding or rehoming animals must meet strict licensing conditions designed to safeguard animal welfare.

The story will be updated if further information becomes available.

VISITORS and harbour users in Tenby are being asked to take care while dredging work is carried out at the harbour entrance next week.

Sand will be removed from the mouth of Tenby Harbour and deposited at the northern end of North Beach. The work is not expected to affect vessel movements in the harbour.

Operations will begin on Monday (Mar 16) and are scheduled to continue until Wednesday (Mar 18).

Tenby Harbourmaster Chris Salisbury confirmed that the necessary licence for the dredging work is in place.

He said: “We ask that members of the public keep clear of the operating area while the machinery is in use and that dogs are kept on a lead during this time.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services at Pembrokeshire County Council, said the work was essential to keep the harbour functioning properly.

“I’m grateful to our officers for carrying out this work at Tenby Harbour,” he said. “The dredging is essential for the continued operation of the harbour.

“The timing has been dictated by the tides, and these dates represented the final opportunity to complete the work before boats are returned to the water.”