News

Council calms cladding concerns

Published

9 years ago

July 11, 2017

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has moved to reassure residents about the fire safety risks posed by cladding to schools and other public buildings, following the recent tragic events in Kensington and Chelsea.

Local authorities across Wales have engaged in safety tests on buildings since the disaster at Grenfell Tower in London and checks on Pembrokeshire’s buildings have, thus far, revealed no causes for concern.

Councillor Tom Tudor has raised the issue of fire safety in with county Chief Executive Ian Westley and Leader David Simpson.

Cllr Tudor has asked: “With the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire could you ensure that Pembrokeshire County Council looks at all its buildings that use these modern cladding tiles, which may include many of the new built schools; in fact, on the news it was reported that new build schools (along with hotels, motels etc) could well be fitted with these tiles.

“In the event of any building having these cladding tiles in the wall cavities, please could they be removed as soon as possible?”

Cladding has been used to insulate buildings and improve their energy efficiency; however, the cladding used at Grenfell Tower has been blamed for speeding and intensifying the blaze which consumed the block.

The Herald asked Pembrokeshire County Council what steps, if any, it had taken to assess the safety of cladding on its buildings – both new-build and old – in light of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

A spokesperson told us: ‘We are working closely with the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to carry out a cladding survey on all local authority-owned properties. We have not encountered any cladding issues to date but if we do, the cladding will be tested. Pembrokeshire County Council does not own any high-rise public buildings’.

Moving to the broader issue of fire safety in schools, an issue which has been raised on social media since the London tragedy, we asked the Council which of Pembrokeshire’s schools are fitted with sprinkler systems.

The same spokesperson responded: “All schools built, substantially refurbished or currently under construction as part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s 21st Century Schools programme (Band A) are fitted with sprinklers, as per Welsh Government requirements.

“These schools are; Broad Haven Primary School, Ysgol Hafan y Mor and Tenby Church in Wales VC School in Tenby, Johnston CP School, Ysgol Dewi Sant, Penrhyn Church in Wales VC School at Hundleton , Pembroke Secondary School, Gelliswick Church in Wales VC Primary School in Hakin/Hubberston, and Ysgol Bro Gwaun.

“The following schools also have sprinkler systems: Portfield School, Neyland Community School, Ysgol Glannau Gwaun in Fishguard, and Cleddau Reach VC School in Llangwm.”

The spokesperson continued: “It is important to note that the fire strategy adopted on education and public buildings is one of ‘everyone out’ as a first measure and that schools all have compliant fire detection systems and a duty to test evacuation procedures once per term.”

We were also told no other buildings owned by the local authority are equipped with sprinkler systems.

Finally, in light of increased residential development of former commercial premises in town centres, we enquired as to the steps the Council is taking to ensure that planning applications for the conversion of premises into either flats or houses of multiple occupation include the provision of sprinkler systems.

We were told: “The requirements for fire suppression systems are set out in the building regulations part B. The building control body overseeing the works will ensure that these requirements are met.”

Milford Haven Councillor, Vivien Stoddart said: “In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy I have received several enquiries about fire safety at the new 500-strong primary school currently being constructed off Gellyswick Road, Hakin. During a recent tour of the new building, school governors, including myself, were pleased to see that there are sprinklers in every room.

“I have been assured by Pembrokeshire County Council’s project officer for the school, that the external timber cladding meets British Standards for fire retardancy, and that the building’s fire alarm system includes fire detection in all rooms. I was also told by the council that it is now mandatory to install sprinklers in all newly constructed homes, not just in public buildings.”

Charity

Local cycling legend Ted celebrates 90th birthday

Published

17 minutes ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Much-loved GTBAL regular inspires community with stories of adventure, resilience and kindness

A WELL-KNOWN face at one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved community cafés is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Ted turns ninety.

For the last seven years, Ted has been a familiar presence at GTBAL — short for Get The Boys A Lift — the Haverfordwest-based community coffee shop and mental health support hub on Dew Street.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after the gym, Ted and friends make their way in for an extra hot cappuccino, conversation and companionship.

Staff and customers say Ted has become part of the “fabric of the community”, with many captivated by the extraordinary stories he shares from a life packed with adventure.

Ted’s experiences have included working as a fine jewellery designer, sailing around the world and raising his family while living aboard a boat.

But perhaps one of his most inspiring achievements came later in life.

At the age of eighty-five, Ted completed a solo and unsupported cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his famous trike, raising money for GTBAL along the way. He crossed the finish line on his eighty-sixth birthday.

Many local residents will recognise Ted from his distinctive trike, which has become something of a symbol of his determination and adventurous spirit.

GTBAL said: “What makes Ted so special isn’t just what he’s done. It’s his kindness, his positivity, his curiosity, and the way he can brighten someone’s day with a simple conversation.

“If you see Ted in the shop or out and about, stop and say hello. Spend a few minutes listening to his stories. You’ll leave richer for it.”

As Ted celebrates his ninetieth birthday, friends and customers alike have paid tribute to a man described as an inspiration — proof that age is no barrier to living life with purpose, adventure and generosity.

Cover image:

Ted on his famous trike during one of his fundraising adventures for GTBAL (Pic: GTBAL).

Community

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

Published

3 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STAFF from Ward 4 at Withybush Hospital are preparing to climb Pen y Fan to raise money for their surgical ward.

The team will take on the challenge on Saturday, September 5, 2026, climbing the highest peak in South Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The fundraiser aims to raise £500, with money going directly towards improving the ward environment for patients.

Staff said: “We have organised this event to raise funds that will go directly towards enhancing the ward environment for patients, including purchasing items such as TVs to improve comfort and wellbeing during their stay.

“We’re hoping to raise £500.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to the team on Ward 4 for embracing the challenge and choosing to raise funds for their ward. We hope you have a fantastic day and truly enjoy the experience.

“The generous charitable donations we receive do not replace NHS funding. Instead, they support additional items and activities outside core NHS expenditure. These small extras make a big difference, and we are so grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations can be made to the Ward 4 Pen y Fan fundraiser at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/ward-4-staff-at-withybush-hospital-s-pen-y-fan-cha

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales

Pictured:

Staff from Ward 4

Community

Charles Street to come alive for Milford Haven Founders Day

Published

3 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CHARLES STREET will once again be transformed into a bustling pedestrian zone as Milford Haven celebrates its annual Founders Day on Saturday (June 6).

Milford Haven Business Circle, in collaboration with Milford Haven Town Council, is bringing the much-loved community event back to the town centre to celebrate the town’s heritage, history and community spirit.

The event will run from 11:00am until 4:00pm, with a programme of free family entertainment including bouncy castles, face painting, local stalls, community groups, activities for all ages and live entertainment organised by the Boulevard Theatre.

The day’s celebrations will also be professionally photographed by Captured Soul Photography.

Founders Day gives residents and visitors the chance to come together to celebrate Milford Haven’s past while supporting the businesses, organisations and community groups that continue to make the town a vibrant place today.

To allow the event to take place safely, a road closure will be in force from the junction of Francis Street to Dartmouth Street between 10:00am and 5:00pm. Once the closure is in place, Charles Street will become a pedestrian-only zone.

Medical and event safety cover throughout the day will be provided by Pegasus Ambulance Service.

Milford Haven Business Circle has thanked Milford Haven Town Council, Taste of Haven, PATCH, Tesco Milford Haven, Ambulance Friends, The Ascona Group and Green Light Traffic Management for their support in helping make this year’s event possible.

Business Circle members supporting the event include Cast N Craft Fishing for Health, Pegasus Ambulance Service, Elizabeth Christie Bridal Wear, Taste of Haven, Phoenix Yarns, Phoenix Bowl, Alf Seren Collectables, Granby’s, Captured Soul Photography, Moon Goddess Emporium and Milford Haven Town Council.

Everyone is welcome to attend and entry is free.