PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has launched a public consultation on its School Transport Policy, inviting residents to share their views as part of a wider review into the future of school transport provision.

The local authority currently provides daily transport to school or college for more than 4,500 eligible learners, at an annual cost of over £8 million.

While no specific changes are being proposed at this stage, the Council says public feedback will help shape future policy. Any changes arising from the review would need to be both deliverable and affordable, taking into account ongoing driver shortages and the wider financial pressures faced by the authority.

Should any amendments be made to the policy, they would come into effect from September 2026.

Residents have until Sunday, May 18, 2025, to complete the survey, which can be accessed online at:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/school-transport-policy-consultation

Paper copies are also available by calling the Council’s Contact Centre on 01437 764551 or by emailing: school.transport@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

A PEMBROKESHIRE council application to demolish a disused school to make way for a potential housing development has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

Pembrokeshire County Council, through agent Asbri Planning, sought approval to demolish the former Hakin Infants School, Picton Road, Hakin, Milford Haven.

Works proposed also include the construction of a bat house and ecological enhancement area.

A supporting statement said: “The former school buildings are boarded up, whereas the gardens and play areas have become overgrown. This is one of three schools to close in the last decade within the local area, alongside Hubberston VC School and Hakin Junior School, which have already been demolished.

“This application forms part of a wider strategy for the site. An outline application for residential development will be submitted in order to confirm the development in principle in land use terms is acceptable. A reserved matters application would follow on from outline approval in order to confirm the details of the actual development to be built.”

It also sought permission for a bat box as a bat survey report “revealed that the building acts as a bat roost for low numbers of brown long-eared bats, greater horseshoe bats and lesser horseshoe bats.”

It finished: “The proposed work seeks to demolish and remove the former school buildings and surrounding hard standing within the eastern half of the site. The playing fields and vegetation located to the west of the site will remain unaffected by the demolition works and would therefore remain intact.”

The application was conditionally approved.

CHILDREN, staff, and families from St Francis Catholic Primary School in Milford Haven have raised more than £420 for charity by walking an impressive 200 kilometres during Lent.

As part of CAFOD’s nationwide Big Lent Walk challenge, the school community took part in weekly walks throughout March, combining physical activity with fundraising for a global cause.

The initiative ran as part of the school’s “Forest Fridays” sessions between Friday, March 7 and Friday, April 4. Activities included walks around the local area, exploring the miniature railway, and a litter pick around the Meads Leisure Centre using equipment kindly loaned by Keep Wales Tidy.

The school’s final celebratory walk took place on April 4, with the whole school heading through Milford Haven down to the Rath to meet families and friends. Although poor weather conditions meant a planned picnic had to be cancelled, pupils were treated to a well-earned ice lolly in the Water Gardens to mark their achievement.

The Big Lent Walk supports the work of CAFOD (the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), helping to fight poverty around the world. St Francis School had initially set a target of £150 but surpassed expectations by raising £420.

Each pound raised through the challenge helps provide vital support to communities affected by conflict, hunger, and inequality.

To sponsor St Francis School and support their campaign, click here.