News

Council responds to litter enforcement critics

Published

6 years ago

February 3, 2020

Smoking-related litter: Enforcement effective at reducing incidence

COMPLAINTS made on social media that the Council is enforcing litter without regard to regulations and profiting from Fixed Penalty Notices have been rejected by the local authority.

A series of posts on the Pembrokeshire Council Watch Forum Facebook page highlighted DEFRA guidelines which the post’s author said the Council was ignoring. Subsequent posts said the Council was trousering alleged profits from Civil Enforcement Officers issuing Fixed Penalty Notices. How the Council delivers the service through a contractor was blamed for enforcement being inconsistent and for residents being fined even when they littered by accident and picked up their rubbish.

While we were unable to deal with the anecdotal material relating to enforcement, we asked the Council to answer three specific questions regarding the use of Fixed Penalty Notices for littering.

In response to our questions, a Council spokesperson told us: “ Net income so far for the current financial year is in the region of £20,000. All income from fixed penalties is used in the service area from which it is collected, eg fixed penalty income from littering offences is spent on activity related to litter and street cleansing. No specific budget has been set aside for public education on littering but such activities will be funded as and when appropriate from this source and we are currently in the process of procuring additional signs relating to environmental and dog issues for installation around the county.”

On the issue of which guidelines the Council followed, as the guidelines for DEFRA don’t apply in Wales and litter enforcement is devolved to Cardiff Bay, we were told: “The Council follows the Guidance on the use of fixed penalty notices for environmental offences published by the Welsh Government.”

Cllr Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Public Protection and Welsh Language, said: “It is so important that we monitor the cleanliness of our streets and the environment’.

“With the ever-increasing focus of controlling plastic and other waste pollution in our drains, rivers and seas it is important that everyone takes responsibility for disposing of their litter and recycling materials in the most environmentally correct way as possible.
“We do understand that the enforcement of litter offences has not been welcomed by some people but we can confirm that all the income received is being retained in dealing with litter and street cleanliness and that those responsible for dropping it are now directly contributing to the costs of dealing with this antisocial and unacceptable behaviour.

“The annual survey of local environmental quality independently undertaken by Keep Wales Tidy has shown a marked improvement in the past 12 months of the most widespread litter problem in the County – smoking-related litter. For the first time in the 13 years of the survey, smoking-related litter can now be found on fewer than half the county’s streets.

“Dog fouling has also decreased in the past 12 months and whilst more still needs to be done, especially around confectionery and fast food litter, we are making progress and Pembrokeshire regularly has one of the highest standards of street cleanliness in Wales which we proudly strive to maintain.”

News

Council unveils plans for new state-of-the-art secondary school in Milford Haven

Published

14 minutes ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community.

A newly released video accompanying the announcement features the First Minister, the local authority’s Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Education and the headteacher, outlining what the development will deliver. The plans include specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high-quality outdoor learning and play spaces.

The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.

The scheme forms part of a Strategic Outline Case approval. Any final funding commitment will depend on the project successfully progressing through the full business case process.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This project represents a major investment in our children’s future. The new school will offer a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive, and we are delighted to share this vision with the community as we move towards the next stage of this exciting process.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan added: “This is fantastic news for pupils, parents, teachers and the whole community. Modern learning environments can make a real difference to pupils and staff alike. The Welsh Government has shown its commitment to new schools in Pembrokeshire as part of our wider programme of improving schools and colleges across Wales.”

Speaking on behalf of staff, pupils and governors, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John said the school community was excited by the plans.

He said: “Milford Haven School recently welcomed a visit from the First Minister, along with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, to mark initial progress on proposals for a new, aspirational school building.

“The development will provide inspirational learning and teaching spaces, offering high-quality, ambitious and equitable opportunities for all pupils. It aims to support our young people to thrive, develop their talents and grow into confident, successful individuals, supported by dedicated staff and the wider school community.”

Stephen Thomas, Headteacher at Milford Haven Primary School, said the project had been long awaited.

He said: “This new school building has been long awaited, and I know how much it will mean to our children, staff and the community as a whole in Milford Haven.

“For many years, our community has hoped for facilities that truly reflect the potential, pride and ambition of our children, and now that vision is becoming a reality.

“This is more than just a new building. It is a statement of belief in our young people and in the future of Milford Haven. It will provide modern, high-quality learning environments, improved spaces for wellbeing and inclusion, and facilities that will open up wider opportunities for our pupils and families.

“As Headteacher, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to see this investment in our community. Our children deserve the very best, and this new school will help us continue raising aspirations, strengthening community links and ensuring every child can thrive.”

The council will now begin a period of consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents to ensure the new school reflects the needs and ambitions of the whole community.

Community

Banking hub plans gather pace in Pembroke Dock

Published

43 minutes ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLANS to deliver a new Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock are moving forward, following a key meeting between local representatives and Cash Access UK.

Samuel Kurtz MS met with Cash Access UK Regional Manager Debbie Crow on Wednesday (Mar 19), alongside community representatives, to discuss the next steps after confirmation last week that the campaign for a hub had been successful.

The new facility is expected to be up and running within 12 weeks, providing vital access to banking services for residents, businesses and community groups across Pembroke Dock and the wider South Pembrokeshire area.

***Samuel Kurtz*** MS: **“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area”**

Banking Hubs offer a shared space where customers can carry out everyday transactions such as cash withdrawals and deposits, as well as access face-to-face support from individual banks on designated days.

The development follows the closure of the last bank branch in Pembroke Dock, which had raised concerns about access to essential financial services in the area. Samuel Kurtz has been working with LINK, local businesses and community groups to secure the new hub.

Discussions at the meeting focused on identifying a suitable location and ensuring the service meets the needs of those who continue to rely heavily on cash.

Following strong public interest in the project, Mr Kurtz has confirmed he will hold a series of drop-in sessions in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock to update residents and answer questions.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Last week’s news that the campaign for a Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock had been successful was incredibly welcome for our community.

“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area. I have already been inundated with questions from people wanting to know what happens next.

“That’s why I will be holding drop-in sessions in both Pembroke and Pembroke Dock so residents and businesses can come along, ask questions and hear the latest updates.

“I was pleased to meet with Cash Access UK’s Regional Manager to discuss the next steps, and I will continue working closely with local stakeholders to help ensure the hub is delivered as quickly as possible.”

Further details about the drop-in sessions are expected to be announced shortly.

Health

Decision pending on adult mental health referral pathway

Published

53 minutes ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board will decide next week whether to make changes to the GP referral pathway for routine adult mental health services permanent.

The decision will be taken at a public Board meeting on Thursday (Mar 26).

Board members will consider a proposal to formalise changes already introduced in Ceredigion and, if approved, roll out the revised pathway across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Since March 2025, adults in Ceredigion seeking routine mental health support have been advised by their GP to contact the NHS 111 Wales ‘Press 2’ service, rather than being referred directly to the county’s Community Mental Health Team.

The temporary change was introduced in response to ongoing staffing shortages. Health Board officials say the approach has helped maintain timely access to face-to-face assessments for those who need them, while directing initial contact through a single access point.

The 111 ‘Press 2’ service provides telephone assessments by local wellbeing practitioners, supervised by registered mental health nurses, offering advice, support and onward referrals where required.

At its November 2025 meeting, the Board agreed to extend the temporary pathway until the end of March 2026. A nine-week engagement exercise followed, running from December 8 to February 9, to gather feedback from patients, professionals and stakeholders on the potential long-term impact.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and experiences.

“I would also like to thank West Wales Action for Mental Health for supporting engagement with patients, including those with lived experience, alongside GPs, primary care teams, mental health staff and third sector partners.

“Our priority is to ensure mental health services remain accessible, fair and sustainable. The temporary changes in Ceredigion have shown some positive benefits, and the feedback we have received from across the three counties will play an important role in shaping the Board’s decision.”

The Board will review all evidence and feedback before making a final decision on the future of the adult mental health referral pathway.

GPs will continue to refer patients with urgent or complex needs directly to community mental health teams where appropriate, and have access to a dedicated NHS 111 professional line for additional clinical advice.