News

Council ‘white elephant’ likely to be sold off

Published

9 years ago

December 19, 2017

IT is ‘highly likely’ that Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cherry Grove building, which was bought for over £2,000,000 in 2011, will be declared surplus to requirements.

Questions have long been raised about the council’s purchase of the building and previous leaders defended their actions saying it would be beneficial and good value for money.

However, at a meeting of the Council on Thursday, December 14, it was revealed that the building is likely to be deemed surplus to requirements.

Cllr Viv Stoddart described Cherry Grove as a ‘white elephant’ and said that the council had been in denial about the building ever since they brought it in 2011.

Cllr Stoddart asked: “The demolition costs of Haverfordwest’s Cherry Grove have been quoted to be £400,000. This figure comes on top of the £3 million costs of acquiring and maintaining the building. Will the Council consider producing a detailed report as to how the Authority blundered into this situation?”

Cllr Kilmister replied: “The purchase of Cherry Grove took place in 2011, it was led by the former head of property acting on the instructions of the former chief executive.

“It is very likely that this building will be declared surplus to requirements and disposed of.

“I share Cllr Stoddart’s concern that a detailed report will not provide us with any benefit. I sincerely hope that we have already learned lessons from this corporate mistake.”

Cllr Stoddart added: “In 2011, when I challenged this purchase, the then leader John Davies said it would improve the authority’s efficiency and it had been brought at a very favourable price.

“The former leader, again when I challenged this purchase, Jamie Adams said ‘Cherry Grove represents good value for money and would be put to good use’.

“At a similar meeting I was chastised by Cllr Adams for quizzing whether this represented value for money and he chastised me saying perhaps I wanted to see the building fall into disrepair and it was important that it should not fall into disrepair.

“I call Cherry Grove the folly on the hill, I hear what you say, we are where we are. In the six years since this white elephant was brought, the previous administration had been in denial about it so would you agree with me that this scandalous waste of taxpayers’ money, if this had happened in the private sector, heads would roll?”

Cllr Kilmister said: “I agree with every word you have said in terms of that. This has been, in my view, a huge corporate error by this authority to purchase the building which is 30% empty at the present moment despite the amount that has been spent on it, it’s extremely unpopular with the people that work in it and it has high running costs. The sooner it comes off our books, the better it will be.

“I’m sure the people did it with good intention, but it is a complete and utter corporate folly, there is no need for that building which is why I have said it is almost certain it will be declared surplus.”

Cllr Jacob Williams also asked about the cost of the building and what its future would be.

Cllr Kilmister said: “The cost of purchasing and refurbishing Cherry Grove was £2,209,000. There are other costs in terms of running it since 2011.

“At a seminar there was significant support for releasing and disposing of Cherry Grove. It is highly likely that the building will be declared as surplus to requirements and disposed of. A Cabinet report to consider this option in the New Year.”

Cllr Jacob Williams said he was supportive of the demolition of the site and added that he felt that the County Hall wasn’t being used to its full capacity.

Cllr Kilmister finished by saying they have certainly never had ‘value for money’ out of Cherry Grove.

Health

NHS at 78: A moment to give back to the service Wales helped create

Published

24 minutes ago

July 3, 2026

James Sinclair

As the health service marks its 78th birthday, people in Pembrokeshire are being urged to support local NHS charities helping patients, staff and communities across west Wales

AS THE NHS marks its 78th birthday on Sunday, July 5, NHS charities are urging people to use the anniversary as a moment to support their local NHS charity.

For Pembrokeshire, that means Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity supporting NHS services across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

The NHS has a particular resonance in Wales. It was founded in 1948 by Aneurin Bevan, the Labour Minister for Health and MP for Ebbw Vale, on the principle that healthcare should be free at the point of delivery and available to all, regardless of income.

***Aneurin Bevan MP, visiting a patient in hospital, when the NHS was founded in 1948***

***Mothers bring their children for diphtheria jabs in a mobile unit in 1948***

That founding ideal remains one of the defining achievements of post-war Britain. It brought security to families who had previously feared the cost of illness, injury or childbirth. In Pembrokeshire, as across Wales, generations have relied on that promise.

But as the NHS turns 78, it does so under intense pressure.

Hywel Dda University Health Board serves a population of around 385,000 people across west Wales, covering hospitals, community services, mental health care and primary care across a large rural area. Demand continues to rise, while the challenges facing the health service grow more complex.

Wales has an ageing population, higher levels of long-term illness and areas of significant deprivation. Those pressures place greater demand on health and care services. At the same time, workforce shortages, waiting lists and financial strain continue to dominate debate about the future of the NHS in Wales.

The Welsh Government recently announced an extra £145m for NHS Wales this financial year, including funding aimed at reducing waiting times, developing surgical and diagnostic hubs, and tackling maintenance across the NHS estate.

But the wider financial picture remains difficult. Audit Wales has reported that all seven health boards in Wales again failed to meet their break-even duty in 2024/25, underlining the scale of the challenge.

That is why NHS charities say the birthday should not only be a celebration, but also a chance to give something back.

NHS Charities Together says more than 220 NHS charities across the UK collectively invest around £1.5m in the NHS every day. That funding helps support patients, staff and communities, paying for projects and equipment which go beyond core NHS provision.

Hywel Dda Health Charities allows donors to support a general fund for the areas of greatest need, or to direct donations to a particular hospital, ward, department or service. Funds can help provide medical equipment, staff training, research, patient comforts and community-based support.

***Barry John (2nd from Left) with volunteers from the VC Gallery, Haverfordwest (Image: Supplied)***

Other local organisations also play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing in Pembrokeshire, including the VC Gallery in Haverfordwest, Honeyborough HOPE Therapy Centre and Pembrokeshire Samaritans. Their work in areas such as mental health, veterans’ support, therapy and community care helps ease pressure elsewhere in the system.

The NHS remains one of Wales’ most important institutions. It was created by a Welshman, built on a principle that still matters, and continues to serve people from birth to the end of life.

On its 78th birthday, the message from NHS charities is simple: celebrate it, value it, and support it where you can.

Business

Haverfordwest Creamery wins top honours at world’s largest cheese show

Published

3 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Milk site secures four major trophies as co-operative celebrates 26 awards at International Cheese & Dairy Awards

FIRST MILK’S Haverfordwest Creamery has celebrated major success at this year’s International Cheese & Dairy Awards, after helping the farmer-owned co-operative secure 26 awards at the world’s largest cheese show.

First Milk won eight gold medals, 11 silver medals, one bronze medal and six major trophies at the prestigious awards, with cheese produced at Haverfordwest Creamery securing four of the competition’s top honours.

The Pembrokeshire creamery won the CHR Hansen Trophy for Champion Double Gloucester, the Tetra Pak Tebel Award for Best Extra Mature Creamery Block Cheddar, the ICDA Award for Best Medium Creamery Block Cheddar and the First Milk Past Masters Trophy.

The results underline the quality and consistency of the cheese produced at the Haverfordwest site, which continues to play a key role in First Milk’s award-winning cheesemaking operation.

Held annually, the International Cheese & Dairy Awards attracted its highest number of entries in several years, with many of the creamery cheddar classes receiving between 30 and 40 entries.

First Milk was recognised across a wide range of cheddar and regional cheese categories, including Double Gloucester, Red Leicester, Welsh cheese, vegetarian cheese and English creamery cheddar.

Jack Eade, Customer Quality Manager at First Milk, said the awards reflected the hard work of teams across the business.

He said: “These awards are incredibly hard won and reflect the dedication, expertise and passion of everyone involved in producing our cheese.

“To receive recognition across so many categories at one of the world’s most respected cheese competitions is something everyone at First Milk can be enormously proud of.

“While our grading team selects and prepares the entries, none of these achievements would be possible without the commitment of our farmer members producing exceptional quality milk, and the highly skilled teams at our creameries transforming it into consistently award-winning cheese.”

The latest success continues First Milk’s long-standing record at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards and reinforces Haverfordwest Creamery’s reputation as one of the leading producers of award-winning British cheese.

Photo caption:

Rod Addy, Director General of the Provision Trade Federation, with First Milk’s Matthew Hooper and Dawn Mason at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards

Entertainment

Everything you need to know for Classic Transport Weekend

Published

4 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FINAL preparations are underway for one of the biggest celebrations of transport heritage in Wales, as the Llangollen and Corwen Railway prepares to welcome thousands of visitors to its Classic Transport Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

The event, taking place on July 4 and 5, will bring together close to 400 classic vehicles, three heritage train services, vintage shuttle buses, live music, family entertainment and a packed programme of attractions across the Dee Valley.

Glyndyfrdwy Station will once again form the centrepiece of the weekend, opening to visitors from 9.15am. Displays will include classic cars, motorcycles, vintage buses, military vehicles, tractors, commercial vehicles and rare fire engines, including the famous Green Goddess.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy unlimited travel on the railway throughout the weekend, with services operated by GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754, a Class 47 diesel locomotive and a classic four-car heritage DMU.

Trains will link all five stations on the line at Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen, giving visitors the chance to explore the full railway.

Vintage shuttle buses will run approximately every 30 minutes between Corwen and Glyndyfrdwy, helping visitors move easily between different parts of the event.

New for this year is the exclusive Class 507 Driving Simulator, which will be based in the historic waiting room at Llangollen Station.

Created by the Class 507 Preservation Society using genuine controls rescued from withdrawn Merseyrail trains, the simulator gives visitors the chance to experience what it is like to drive one of Britain’s best-known electric trains.

Food and drink will also be available throughout the weekend. The Hungry Shunter will be serving freshly prepared food, while two fully licensed bars will offer Welsh ales from Hafod Brewery and Purple Moose Brewery, along with wines selected by Pip Gale of Blas Wine School.

Visitors can also relax at Glyndyfrdwy Station Tearoom and Porter’s Bar.

Saturday’s programme will continue into the evening with the popular Party in the Park, where the internationally acclaimed Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir will perform from 7.00pm in marquees beside the railway.

The concert is free for all Classic Transport Weekend ticket holders. Evening-only tickets are also available for £5.

Visitors will also be able to travel on the special Pavarotti Special heritage bus from Corwen before returning on a complimentary heritage railcar after the performance.

Classic Transport Weekend organiser Tim Hines said: “Everything is now in place and we’re ready to welcome visitors for what promises to be a fantastic weekend.

“Wherever you look there will be something happening, from steam trains and heritage diesels to vintage railcars, hundreds of classic vehicles, vintage buses, great food, live music and a wonderful atmosphere across the whole railway.

“One ticket gives visitors unlimited train travel and access to everything that’s happening at Glyndyfrdwy. Whether you’re a lifelong transport enthusiast or simply looking for a great family day out, there really is something for everyone.”

Co-organiser George Walker added: “The response from vehicle owners has been incredible.

“To have close to 400 exhibits travelling to Glyndyfrdwy is a wonderful achievement and we’re immensely grateful to everyone who has chosen to be part of this year’s event.

“You’ll see everything from beautifully restored classic cars and vintage buses to historic tractors, military vehicles, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and some wonderful surprises.

“There really is nowhere else where you’ll find this combination of road and rail heritage brought together in such a spectacular setting, and we’re incredibly proud to welcome everyone to Glyndyfrdwy this weekend.”

Free parking is available at Glyndyfrdwy, although spaces are limited.

Visitors are being encouraged to travel by train from Llangollen, Berwyn, Carrog or Corwen wherever possible, and make the journey part of the experience.

Classic Transport Weekend tickets include unlimited train travel, access to the vehicle displays, vintage shuttle buses and free admission to Saturday evening’s Party in the Park.

For more information and to book tickets, visit llangollen-railway.co.uk/classic-transport-weekend