News

Haverfordwest: Parent governors ‘outraged’ at Council’s sixth form plans

Published

11 years ago

February 25, 2015

Out in force: School plans sparked protests in January

THE PARENT governors of both Secondary Schools in Haverfordwest are outraged and have united to try and ensure the retention for 6th Form choice in the county town.

Current proposals are that sixth form provision will be in future provided at Pembrokeshire College. The governors have released a statement following Pembrokeshire County Council approving the second stage of the consultation exercise into the reorganisation of secondary school education in the county.

The governors are also encouraging parents, and friends of the schools to attend a meeting at Sir Thomas Picton School Hall on Monday the 2nd of March at 7pm

In the statement the governors said: “The joint Governing Bodies of Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton Schools are extremely concerned with the removal of sixth form provision from the new 21st Century School and that Post 16 Education will only be provided in a new integrated Sixth Form Centre as part of a formal collaboration between the County Council and Pembrokeshire College.”

“A public meeting has been called at Sir Thomas Picton School Hall on Monday 2nd March 2015 at 7:00pm and the focus of the evening will be about 6th Form Choice retained within the school environment.
The Parent Governors want to retain the option for CHOICE and need everyone to engage in the consultation process which is due to commence on 10th March 2015 for an eight week period.
The main concern of the Governors of both schools relates to the proposed loss of a “Sixth Form” element within the school.”

“Sixth form students – with their maturing outlook – help to round off a school. They are often looked upon as leaders by the younger pupils and they do have immense influence within the school.”

School changes: Taskers site could become a new Welsh Medium School

“Their attendance not only assists the financing of the school but their learning abilities also stretch the staff within the school. The mere fact that a sixth form exists within a school ensures that from year 11 onwards the continual educational development of the pupils and students is maintained. Where strengths are identified invaluable guidance can be provided for sixth form choice.”

“The joint Governing Bodies of Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton Schools are concerned that the removal of sixth form provision from the new 21st Century School will have a detrimental effect, not only upon the school as an entity, but also upon students opportunities thereafter. This argument will be put to the County Council during the consultation process.”

“The public meeting has been called at the Sir Thomas Picton School Hall on Monday the 2nd of March at 7pm and we trust that you will pass on this information to the families of those youngsters who are already on the ladder to secondary education – as it is these pupils who will be amongst the first to encounter the radical proposals of change.”

“We understand that the next meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council is to be held at County Hall Haverfordwest on Thursday the 5th of March at 9am.”

Local Government

Pembroke’s Henry Tudor Centre awarded £249,813 National Lottery grant

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council, in partnership with the Henry Tudor Trust, has secured a £249,813 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the creation of the new Henry Tudor Centre at South Quay, Pembroke.

The Centre will bring to life the largely untold story of Henry Tudor – the son of Pembroke who carried the Welsh language to the English court and ultimately claimed the greatest prize of all: the crowns of Wales and England. His victory in 1485 established the Tudor dynasty, one of the most influential in British history.

The new attraction will explore Henry’s Welsh heritage, his formative years in Pembroke, and his lasting impact on the national story, Welsh identity and wider British culture.

Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help develop the Centre ahead of its opening in Spring 2027. The grant will also support a one-year Community Programme Coordinator role to deliver an events programme, establish a volunteering scheme, and create educational resources for local schools.

The Henry Tudor Centre forms part of the wider regeneration of South Quay, which also includes a new library, community café, and an integrated healthcare, social services and supported employment hub in the adjoining buildings.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, these prominent listed buildings beside the magnificent Pembroke Castle have been rescued from dereliction and given a new purpose. The new centre will celebrate Henry Tudor’s deep connection to Pembroke and will be a major draw for visitors. It is a key element of our wider regeneration of Pembroke town centre.”

Andrew White, Director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re proud to support Pembrokeshire County Council and the Henry Tudor Trust in bringing the story of Henry Tudor to life. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will not only shine a light on Wales’ rich heritage and cultural identity, but also create a vibrant hub for learning, volunteering and community engagement in the heart of Pembroke.”

Crime

Man accused of Milford Haven burglary and GBH remanded to Crown Court

Published

18 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court charged with burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm, following an incident at a flat in the town earlier this week.

Charged after alleged attack inside Victoria Road flat

Stephen Collier, aged thirty-eight, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Dec 5). Collier is accused of entering a property known as Nos Da Flat, 2 Victoria Road, on December 3 and, while inside, inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man named John Hilton.

The court was told the alleged burglary and assault was carried out jointly with another man, Denis Chmelevski.

The charge is brought under section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968, which covers burglary where violence is inflicted on a person inside the property.

No plea entered

Collier, represented by defence solicitor Chris White, did not enter a plea during the hearing. Prosecutor Simone Walsh applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody, citing the serious nature of the offence, the risk of further offending, and concerns that he could interfere with witnesses.

Magistrates Mr I Howells, Mr V Brickley and Mrs H Meade agreed, refusing bail and ordering that Collier be kept in custody before trial.

Case sent to Swansea Crown Court

The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Collier will next appear on January 5, 2026 at 9:00am for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing.

A custody time limit has been set for June 5, 2026.

Chmelevski is expected to face proceedings separately.

News

Woman dies after collision in Tumble as police renew appeal for witnesses

Published

19 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information after a woman died following a collision in Tumble on Tuesday (Dec 2).

Officers were called to Heol y Neuadd at around 5:35pm after a collision involving a maroon Skoda and a pedestrian. The female pedestrian was taken to hospital but sadly died from her injuries.

Dyfed-Powys Police has launched a renewed appeal for witnesses, including anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV footage, or any information that could help the investigation.

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have captured the vehicle or the pedestrian on camera shortly before the collision to get in touch. (Phone: 101 Quote reference: DP-20251202-259.)