Community
Pembrokeshire libraries and leisure centre consultations
SENIOR Pembrokeshire councillors have backed a call for the public to be consulted changes to library or leisure centre opening hours in the county.
A Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Rhys Jordan before the December 1 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet said: “Pembrokeshire County Council resolves that any proposed changes to the opening hours of leisure centres and libraries must be subject to a minimum six-week consultation period with staff and service users before implementation.”
A supporting statement from Cllr Jordan added: “These services exist for the people who use them. They are not simply buildings or timetables; they are part of the fabric of local life, supporting health, wellbeing, learning, and connection. As such, the people who rely on them should have a genuine opportunity to shape and mould any changes that affect how, when, or even whether they can continue to use them.
“A clear example of why this is necessary came in August, when users of Tenby Leisure Centre arrived on August 1 to find posters announcing that, from September 1, weekend opening hours would change from 7.30am–3pm to 8.30am–5pm. There was no prior consultation, no explanation, and no consideration of how this would impact users.”
He added: “It’s not about creating delay or bureaucracy; it’s about respect, transparency, and sound decision-making. When we listen first, we make better, fairer, and more sustainable choices.
“Leisure centres and libraries are public services, owned by and for the public. Their strength lies in the communities that use them. By embedding consultation, we ensure that those communities remain at the heart of every decision, helping to shape and sustain services that truly work for them.”
A report for members, presented by Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett recommended support for any consultation requirements for any opening hour changes was backed, with an amendment to allow officers to determine the most appropriate duration and approach for such consultation on a case-by-case basis.
Members heard Cllr Jordan was happy with the case-by-case amendment, approving the recommendation.
Cllr Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for Young People, Community, Well-being and Future Generations, saying: “Engagement with the public is really important; talking to our communities is the most important thing we can do here.”
Community
Pembrokeshire asked to shape new walking, wheeling and cycling routes
PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being invited to have their say on where new walking, wheeling and cycling routes should be created or improved, as the county council updates its Active Travel Network Map.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s public consultation opens on Monday (Jan 26) and runs until Monday (Apr 20).
The map is intended to help identify where infrastructure improvements are needed to make everyday journeys safer and easier, including for people who use mobility aids or who are new to walking, wheeling or cycling.

The council says the work forms part of the Active Travel (Wales) Act, which requires local authorities to plan and map suitable active travel routes.
The consultation focuses on the county’s designated localities, which include Fishguard and Goodwick, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Saundersfoot, Haverfordwest, Neyland, Milford Haven, Johnston, Narberth and St Dogmaels.
People can take part online using an interactive mapping tool hosted by Data Map Wales, where users can view proposed future routes and existing routes and leave comments.
The online consultation can be found at: https://datamap.gov.wales/survey/Pembrokeshire-AT-survey/
Drop-in sessions have also been arranged for people unable to access the online material, with council representatives attending to answer questions.
The sessions are:
Thursday (Feb 5)
Pembroke Dock Library, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Pembroke Town Council, 2:30pm to 5:30pm
Tuesday (Feb 11)
Ocean Lab Café, Goodwick, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Fishguard Library, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Monday (Feb 24)
Neyland Library, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Johnston Baptist Church, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Wednesday (Feb 26)
Narberth Library, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Thursday (Mar 5)
Tenby Town Council, 9:30am to 12:30pm
The Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, 1:30pm to 5:30pm
Wednesday (Mar 18)
St Dogmaels Memorial Hall, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Wednesday (Mar 25)
Milford Haven Library, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Thursday (Mar 26)
HaverHub, Haverfordwest, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Paper copies of plans are available on request, although the council says hard-copy plans can only be provided for specific areas due to the extent of the consultation.
Residents who need alternative formats such as large print, easy-read, Braille, audio or another language have been asked to contact the council.
For more information, email: [email protected] or call 01437 775182.
Community
Jenkins & Davies investigating alleged racist remarks after video circulates online
AN ENGINEERING firm has launched an internal investigation after a video circulated online over the weekend which is said to show a senior member of staff at the Pembroke Dock firm making comments described as racist.
The video was uploaded to YouTube and TikTok by DJ Clips UK. In the footage, a member of staff is heard saying he was concerned about a drone being flown in the area because of travellers nearby.
He is quoted as saying: “There are gypsies down the corner, and we just don’t want stuff going missing.”
In response, members of the traveller community have erected a banner outside the company’s gates accusing the firm of “racial abuse”.
Jenkins & Davies Engineering has since issued a public statement acknowledging the video and apologising to those affected.
The company said it was “aware of a video circulating online involving comments made by a senior member of our team” and added: “The message stated was inappropriate and does not reflect our values or the views of the company.”
It continued: “We recognise the hurt and offence this has caused to members of the community, and we would like to sincerely apologise to anyone affected by these unwarranted comments.”
The firm said it takes discrimination “extremely seriously” and confirmed the employee involved had been removed from all duties while a full investigation is carried out.
Charlie Price, described as a prominent voice within the local traveller community, said he believed the remarks were racist and that the response so far had not gone far enough.
He said: “What was said was not acceptable in 2026. We are not happy at all and we see they put an apology on Facebook with the help of their fancy £300 an hour solicitors in Cardiff, but we wants them to come out and give us an apology in person.”
The company statement was signed by managing director R Barnard.

Community
Fire chiefs back Register My Appliance Week to cut risk of white goods fires
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service says registering appliances is free, quick, and could help households receive urgent safety alerts or recalls.
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging households across the region to register their white goods and other electrical appliances as it backs Register My Appliance Week, running from Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 23.
The campaign encourages people to sign up items such as washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and smaller appliances so manufacturers can contact owners quickly if a fault is discovered or a product recall is issued.
The fire service said it had attended 40 incidents involving faulty white goods over the past 12 months, and believes registration is a simple step that could help reduce the risk of accidents in the home.
Home Fire Safety Manager Gareth Hands said: “Smart, efficient appliances make life easier, but it’s essential to get them registered. It’s quick, free, and ensures you’re alerted first if a safety repair is ever needed. A few minutes now helps you enjoy the benefits without compromising safety.”
Residents are being directed to the Register My Appliance portal, which offers access to more than 70 leading brands, with many accepting registrations for both new and older appliances, including items bought second-hand or acquired “nearly new”.
To register, households can visit www.registermyappliance.org.uk.

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