News

New plan for Welsh language education

Published

12 years ago

January 31, 2014

THE FUTURE of Welsh language education in Pembrokeshire has come under the spotlight, with the County Council launching a consultation on the service.

At a meeting of the County Council’s Cabinet on Monday, January 13, members resolved that they would consult the public over the Council’s new Welsh Education Strategic Plan.

The strategic plan seeks to remove barriers in order to extend and develop Welsh medium education in both primary and secondary schools across the County.

The move follows the School Standard and Organisation (Wales) Act which was passed by the National Assembly a year ago and which puts a statutory duty on local authorities to produce a plan to improve their Welsh medium education planning and provision.

By 2016, the local authority plans to establish a Welsh school in South Pembrokeshire and to ensure that every pupil is able to access Welsh medium educational provision across every key stage within reasonable travelling distance.

Among the options being considered is the establishment of a Welsh medium secondary school in Haverfordwest.

Last week, The Herald reported on a Cabinet decision which places the two Haverfordwest secondary schools, Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward, under review: a move that could see the nature of their operation change dramatically.

In particular, Tasker Milward School is predicted to suffer a sharp decline in pupil intake over the next five years, which could see the school operating with significant excess capacity.

In his interview about the future of education provision in Pembrokeshire, Council Leader Jamie Adams told The Pembrokeshire Herald:

“We have eight secondary schools in Pembrokeshire and 1,000 spare spaces. In the future we are projected to have greater additional capacity. We have an unsustainable secondary education provision and it is clear something has to give.”

Angela Burns, Assembly Member for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire and Shadow Minister for Education, said,

“Part of the change needed to drive improvement will involve reviewing schools to ensure we have a learning environment fit for the 21st Century. I would hope that Pembrokeshire County Council will engage with Parents, Teachers, Students and the local community to ensure the right decisions are made”.

Owen Hathway, National Union of Teachers (NUT) Wales Policy Officer, said,

“A review of provision may be appropriate as part of an ongoing strategic plan and to ensure that schools are fit for purpose. Of course, what we don’t want to see are any decisions driven forward based solely on monetary concerns. It is vitally important that the implications on children, families, communities and jobs are considered fully before any possible mergers or closures.”

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

3 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.