A CALL for an impartial investigation into the contentious closure of Manorbier school, along with an apology from a senior councillor in connection with that closure, are to be heard next week.

Back in June, the final decision to close fire-ravaged Manorbier school was given the go-ahead, despite a heartfelt last-minute plea by local councillor Phil Kidney to keep it open.

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjoining schoolhouse was severely damaged by a fire in October 2022, which broke out in the school roof space.

After that, a ‘school from school’ was set up in Jameston Village Hall.

It had been hoped the school would be rebuilt, but last year councillors backed a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which, amongst other recommendations, included a statutory consultation on proposals to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School.

The decision attracted strong local opposition, with more than 1,500 people signing a petition on the council’s own website calling for the school to be rebuilt.

The formal consultation for the discontinuation of Manorbier closed last December.

However, many of the council’s figures, especially on the level of surplus places at the school, were disputed.

At a special extraordinary council meeting held on June 15, members were asked to consider a report on a summary of 62 objections received in respect of the proposal to discontinue Manorbier VC school, which included options to end that discontinuation or to launch a fresh consultation.

However, it was recommended, in a report presented by deputy leader Cllr Paul Miller, who now also has responsibility for education, for the discontinuation be proceeded with.

At the meeting, local councillor Phil Kidney, who has been a staunch supporter of the keeping the school open, thanked the campaigners and staff.

“We’ve all let these people down, the way this council has handled this situation is appalling; from day one not one of the executives came up to see these children, no-one came out; if that was Haverfordwest or Tenby they’d be all over the place.”

He said the wording of the consultation had seen more mentions of St Florence [ the alternative school for pupils in the event of a discontinuation] than Manorbier, describing it as “like a brochure for St Florence”.

He also warned the Diocese of St Davids, which had always pressed for the school to be rebuilt, would not allow the council to “walk away from our liabilities lightly”.

Members later heard the diocese had, in a letter received by councillors, made “damning accusations the council is being biased against voluntary controlled schools,” with Cllr Jamie Adams saying the council administration should be “ashamed of this debacle”.

Cllr Miller said his only consideration was “the future welfare of the children,” adding: “I do not think 20 children educated in a welfare centre in Jameston is the best for them.”

Members, by 30 votes to 23, with four abstentions, supported the final steps to close the school.

Following that decision, issues around the contentious closure will be heard at the forthcoming meeting of the council, taking place on July 16.

In a notice of motion before councillors, Cllr Kidney proposes: “That council considers a full impartial investigation into the process of closing Manorbier school, specifically the time it has taken, broken promises, inadequate insurance, and the involvement of HR department.”

A supporting statement for his motion says: “The review should be carried out by someone not employed by the authority, with powers to recommend disciplinary action if they deem necessary.

“A full impartial review should hopefully stop another school being treated so appallingly.”

Cllr Kidney is also, in a submitted question, seeking an apology from the deputy leader, who now has responsibility for education: “Would the Cabinet Member for Education like to apologise to the staff and parents of Manorbier School for his comments at the last council meeting, where he stated children would get a better education in St Florence and children in Manorbier were being taught in one room?

“This is both factually wrong and insulting to staff, who have worked tirelessly to provide teaching of an excellent standard, and if he had taken the time to read the last Estyn report, he may not have made these derogatory comments.”

Both the motion and question will be heard by councillors next week.

MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE is urging residents and visitors to take extra care as extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires and water-related emergencies.

The warning follows the issuing of a red extreme heat alert for parts of Wales, with exceptionally high temperatures forecast and emergency services preparing for added pressure in the days ahead.

Fire chiefs say the hot, dry weather has left grassland and vegetation particularly vulnerable, meaning even a small spark could develop into a fast-moving countryside fire.

Aled Griffiths, Head of Community Safety for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “With very high temperatures forecast across Wales this week, it’s important that we all take extra care to stay safe and reduce avoidable risks.

“We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine, but these conditions can increase the likelihood of incidents, including fires and water-related emergencies.

“Small actions can make a big difference, whether that’s using barbecues safely, disposing of smoking materials responsibly or taking extra care around open water.”

Barbecue and outdoor fire safety

Anyone using a barbecue is being advised to place it on a flat, non-combustible surface, well away from buildings, fences, dry grass and shrubs.

Barbecues should never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished and allowed to cool before ashes are disposed of.

The public is also being asked not to light campfires or other open fires, particularly in rural areas where dry vegetation can allow flames to spread rapidly.

Cigarettes, matches and glass bottles should never be discarded in the countryside.

The fire service has also reminded residents that burning grass or garden waste is prohibited at this time of year.

Open water warning

The hot weather is also expected to encourage more people to swim in lakes, rivers, reservoirs and other open water.

However, the fire service warned that water temperatures can remain dangerously cold even during periods of extreme heat.

Cold water shock can cause an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing, panic and a sudden loss of swimming ability, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.

People are advised never to jump or dive into unfamiliar water and not to enter open water after drinking alcohol.

Float to Live

Anyone who gets into difficulty in the water should:

• Tilt their head back, keeping their ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move their hands and legs gently to remain afloat
• Avoid panicking if their legs begin to sink

Once breathing is under control, they should call for help or attempt to swim to safety.

The fire service recommends practising floating in a supervised environment, such as a swimming pool.

Phone, Float, Throw

Anyone who sees another person in difficulty should remain on land and follow the Phone, Float, Throw advice:

• Phone 999 and ask for the emergency services
• Encourage the person to remain calm and float on their back
• Throw rescue equipment or another floating object towards them

Members of the public should not enter the water themselves, as this can place both people in danger.

Further wildfire and water safety advice is available through Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s website and social media channels.

TENBY Lifeboats RNLI has presented a framed crew photograph to The Dennis Café on Castle Beach in recognition of the support it provides throughout the year.

The café has become a valued friend of the lifeboat station, regularly helping with crew social events and barbecues, as well as providing a convenient venue for meetings.

Members of the crew visited the café to hand over the photograph, which shows the Tenby lifeboat team gathered outside the town’s distinctive lifeboat station.

A spokesperson for Tenby Lifeboats RNLI said: “From crew socials and barbecues to providing us with a place for crew meetings, they have always got our backs.

“Thanks a lot. It’s much appreciated.”

The framed picture will now be displayed at the popular Castle Beach café as a lasting reminder of the close relationship between the business and Tenby’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

PHOTO: Tenby Lifeboats RNLI presents a framed crew photograph to The Dennis Café on Castle Beach.