A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire chapel to keep a temporary classroom used as a Sunday school while funding for a permanent building is sought has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Rev Jennifer Gough, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, seeks permission for the retention of a temporary classroom at Bethlehem Chapel, Bethlehem, near Haverfordwest.

A supporting statement says: “The chapel maintains an active congregation with Sunday school provision. The temporary classroom gained planning permission in 2017 and comprises a portacabin arrangement located to the west of the chapel. It comprises a single classroom internally and simple elevations. The structure is temporary with all services located within the existing chapel.

“Planning permission was originally granted in 2018 for temporary consent for the classroom. This has been reissued twice [in 2020 and 2022 schemes] whilst the chapel secured funds and agreed designs to allow for a permanent solution.

“This application seeks to renew consent for the temporary classroom which lapsed in February 2026, to allow for a final period of use of the temporary arrangement.

“Work is underway to submit a long-term, permanent arrangement to secure a classroom for the Sunday school but future planning and building work could still take some time. Therefore, to future proof the Sunday School and continue to support the congregation, further temporary permission is sought.”

It adds: “All features of this application remain the same as previous, with no additional arrangements proposed. There will be no foul output generated from this proposal.”

In finishes: “Overall, this application seeks to retain the temporary classroom for one further period to allow a permanent solution to be submitted into planning and subsequently be built, all whilst supporting the existing Sunday school and maintaining a functional congregation and chapel.

“The temporary classroom has been deemed appropriate under previous applications and there are no changes proposed, with all detailed matters remaining acceptable.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

At the start of the year, an extension to the chapel, for community activities, was approved by planning officers.

FREE LIFE-SAVING SESSIONS AVAILABLE ACROSS THE REGION

A CARMARTHENSHIRE-based training company is offering free first aid awareness talks to community groups across West Wales.

Pinnacle Workforce Training Ltd, founded by trainer and health and social care professional Andrew James-Deakin, is inviting organisations including Women’s Institutes, U3A groups, Rotary Clubs, Probus Clubs, churches, charities and community groups to book an interactive presentation.

The session, titled Could You Save a Life? Practical First Aid for Everyday Emergencies, covers CPR awareness, defibrillator use, choking, stroke recognition, heart attack awareness, burns and scalds, falls, seizures and anaphylaxis.

Andrew, who has more than 25 years’ experience in training, assessment, quality assurance, leadership and health and social care, said: “Many people worry that they would not know what to do if someone collapsed, suffered a stroke, had a heart attack or started choking.

“These talks are designed to give people confidence and practical knowledge that could make a real difference while waiting for professional help to arrive.”

The sessions are designed to be informative, engaging and interactive, giving participants practical knowledge that could help them support family members, friends, colleagues or members of the public during an emergency.

As part of a community introduction programme, Pinnacle Workforce Training Ltd is currently offering the talks free of charge.

Organisations within 20 miles of Llanelli can book a session at no cost, while groups further afield are only asked to cover travel expenses.

Andrew added: “One of the aims of Pinnacle Workforce Training is to support local communities by making valuable skills and knowledge accessible to as many people as possible.

“If even one person leaves a session feeling more confident to help in an emergency, it will have been worthwhile.”

Community organisations interested in arranging a talk can contact Andrew James-Deakin on 07364 138827 or email [email protected].

Andrew James-Deakin: Director of Pinnacle Workforce Training Ltd, pictured on the River Towy footbridge in Carmarthen (Pic: Supplied).

‘PETTY AND MINDLESS’ ATTACK CRITICISED BY LOCAL COUNCILLOR AND MS

A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has condemned “mindless” graffiti daubed on a wall in Johnston, saying it sends the wrong message to children, visitors and residents.

Cllr Aled Thomas, who represents Johnston, said he was “really angry” after seeing the words sprayed in blue paint in the village.

He said he was not personally offended by the abuse, but was upset by the impact on the wider community.

Cllr Thomas said: “What really angered me was what type of message this sends to visitors and young people in our community, particularly as there are so many hardworking people behind the scenes just trying to make Johnston a better place for everyone.”

He said Johnston Community Council had worked hard to improve local green spaces, including Glebelands Field, the Woodland Walk and Vine Field, as well as ensuring play parks were safe to use.

He added: “Someone throwing all that hard work by local residents down the drain by detracting from it with petty graffiti makes me angry.”

The councillor also said children walking to Johnston School should not be exposed to “mindless disgusting language”, adding that staff and governors worked hard to foster “decency and respect”.

Addressing whoever was responsible, he said: “If you have a personal problem with me or my party, I suggest you reach out to me to discuss your problems without ruining the village for everyone else.

“Failing that, you can graffiti your ballot paper next May instead and vote me out as your local councillor — but until that day comes, I’ll continue doing my very best to help Johnston and its residents thrive, and no graffiti will ever stop me.”

Paul Davies MS also criticised the vandalism, saying: “This is absolutely disgraceful. Of course, I realise that people disagree with our views as Conservatives but to vandalise, use this language and spoil our environment is totally unacceptable.”

Photo caption:

Vandalism condemned: Graffiti sprayed on a wall in Johnston has been criticised by Cllr Aled Thomas and Paul Davies MS (Pic: Facebook).