News

Second homes money lifeline for public toilets

Published

2 years ago

February 16, 2023

PEMBROKESHIRE second homes council tax premiums will help provide a lifeline for public toilets under threat of potential closure if a decision by senior councillors is backed.

The council’s Cabinet, meeting on Monday, February 13, considered a report on public toilet provision in the county, that proposes 30-plus toilets -many in seaside towns and villages – could be under threat of closure from November, unless community asset transfers to town and community councils are agreed, or funding streams are identified.

A difficulty for any local councils who want to take over their toilets is they may have already decided their precept for the year, the report for members warned.

It suggested a one-year sum of money – £360,000 – be made available from the affordable housing provision collected from the second homes tax premium, be used to keep toilets open while any negotiations take place.

Second homes are currently taxed at a 100 per cent premium in the county.

“This temporary funding would be used to cover the contract costs of the facilities at risk of closure for one year whilst other arrangements are explored and implemented,” the report said.

At the February 13 meeting, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Councillor Rhys Sinnett stressed: “We’re not looking for closures, in fact we want to save as many as possible, but we need other organisations to support us. We know the toilets are valued, that’s exactly why we’re looking for sustainable funding models.”

He said the report before members made “uncomfortable reading,” adding: “It is simply not possible to sustain the current provision.”

He said a “big however” was using a section of the affordable homes funds derived from second homes council tax premium to temporarily support the provision of public toilets.

Later on in the February 13 meeting, Cabinet members agreed to use part of the second homes premium to subsidise a lower council tax for the county, the same general pot of money being available for the public toilets.

Councillor Michelle Bateman said: “It can’t be easy to bring a report like this to Cabinet; I hope this won’t lead to a wholesale closure of toilets; we have to consider things we might not even have thought we’d be looking at a few years ago.”

The recommendation before Cabinet, which was approved, is to close all PCC funded toilets listed in Group 2, where legally able, from November 5, unless a community asset transfer is agreed – which would be in place by next March – or a funding stream identified, giving those that do a period of grace to March 31 of next year.

It included the option of – backed by Cabinet members – of using an element of the Second Homes Council Tax Premium.

The use of the second homes premium subsidising council tax – which could affect the toilets subsidy – will have to be agreed at the March 2 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

Toilets under review include: Abercastle; Abereiddy; Amroth East; Angle; Bosherston; Burton; Broad Haven; Millmoor Way; Carew; Cresswell Quay; Cwm Yr Eglwys; Dale; Freshwater East; Kilgetty; Little Haven; Manorbier; Marloes; Moylegrove; Newgale South; Newport Beach; Newport Parrog; Neyland; Nolton; Penally; Poppit Sands; Porthgain; Pwllgwaelod; Saundersfoot; Solva; St Brides; St Davids Bryn Road; St Davids; Oriel Y Parc Tenby North Beach; Tenby Upper Frog Street; Wisemans Bridge.

Business

Pembroke Dock opticians fundraises to support local families

Published

8 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKE DOCK opticians has collected food, toiletries and seasonal supplies to help individuals and families in Pembrokeshire experiencing financial hardship.

The collection, organised by trainee dispensing optician Courtney Hearn, was donated to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship), a local charity dedicated to providing essential items, including food parcels, clothing and household necessities to those in need.

PATCH also holds an annual Christmas Toy Appeal, which ensures children in need receive gifts, art materials, chocolates and wrapping supplies, bringing joy to families facing challenging circumstances during the festive season.

The Specsavers team contributed food and toiletries, while retail director Ellie Thomas-Wigley and optometrist Andrew Williams purchased wrapping paper and Sellotape, following guidance from PATCH, to support the appeal.

Ellie Thomas-Wigley says: ‘We’re incredibly proud of our team’s generosity and their commitment to helping the community. PATCH plays a vital role in supporting local families facing difficult times, particularly during the festive season, and we’re pleased to contribute to their important work.

‘Thank you to our customers and team for coming together to support those in need at such a critical time of year.’

Since 2008, PATCH has been providing support to Pembrokeshire residents by working with referral agencies such as health workers and social services. The charity’s Basics Bank offers immediate help to those experiencing crises, including job losses, benefit delays, or emergency situations like fire or homelessness.

To learn more about PATCH or to donate, visit their charity shop on Charles Street.
Specsavers Pembroke Dock is open seven days a week. To find out more and book an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/pembrokedock.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

Entertainment

Body slamming entertainment at the Torch Theatre!

Published

8 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FROM Port Talbot to Llanelli and Porthcawl to Lampeter, the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling are on the road around the country and are getting ready to rumble! They’ll bring their live body slamming family entertainment show to the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, for a one-night extravaganza that you won’t want to miss!

Since its establishment in 2005, Welsh Wrestling has cemented its status as the number one wrestling promotion in Wales, running top quality wrestling shows all over the country in some of the most prestigious venues and theatres. Throughout each year the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling perform in front of several thousand fans, guaranteeing each paying customer of all ages a fun, action-packed, family night out.

Witness the wrestling extravaganza at the Torch that’s guaranteed to get children (and adults) screaming and cheering for their favourite wrestler and making memories that last a lifetime. Pop down to the Torch and witness the glamour and chaos in this showcase of entertainment and athleticism in a memorable family night out.

The Welsh Wrestling Facebook page has information on its Wales tour with positive feedback from several audience members with one being quoted as saying:

“What a fantastic night. My two grandsons loved every minute of the show. A great show designed with families in mind. I will highly recommend this to all friends and family. Thanks for a great evening!”

Welsh Wrestling will be live at the Torch Theatre wrestling ring on Sunday 23 February at 5pm. Ticket prices: Family: £45. Adult: £15. Child: £12. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Crime

Police issue update following incident at Tenby multi-storey

Published

2 days ago

January 3, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed this morning that they are investigating a collision on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Tenby, at around 4pm on Thursday, January 2.

The collision, police said, involved a grey Nissan Qashqai and a young child.

The child remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The family are being supported by specially trained officers.

One man, aged 33, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, drink driving, and drug driving. He remains in police custody.

Police issued a statement saying: “This is a tragic incident and is a live investigation.

“We ask that you do not speculate the circumstances and allow our officers to carry out their enquiries.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to us, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Quote reference 25*6238”