News

March 2 strikes: School closure expected in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

THREE Pembrokeshire schools will close and 15 will be partially closed during Thursday’s strikes by teachers.

Members of the National Education Union will walk out on March 2 after rejecting the Welsh Government’s latest pay rise offer. More strikes are scheduled for March 15 and 16.

The NEU rejected a recent government pay offer as “simply not good enough” to help teachers through the current economic problems.

During a previous strike last month, seven Pembrokeshire schools closed and 16 were partially closed.

The latest strike will see Waldo Williams, Fenton, and Broad Haven fully closed on March 2.

Schools seeing partial closures include: Pembroke Dock Community School, Ysgol Gelli Aur, Stepaside CP, Fishguard RC / Holy Name, St Francis RC, Ysgol Ger y Llan, Haverfordwest High VC, Pennar Community, St Oswalds VA, St Marks VA, Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, Ysgol Harri Tudur, Prendergast, Milford Haven Community, and Greenhill.

A council spokesman said it was awaiting information on the situation at several other schools in the county.

Haverfordwest High will only be open for pupils in Years 11, Year 12 and 13.

In a letter to parents, Haverfordwest High VC School headteacher Jane Harries said: “Pupils in these year groups should attend school and follow their usual timetable. Pupils will need to bring work and revision materials to use in the event of any of their teachers not being in school.

“Sorry but it is not possible for us to notify you of what classes will be affected but I can assure you that any classes affected will be supervised whilst pupils undertake private study.

“Unfortunately, the school will be closed to pupils in years 7-10 on this date. School buses will run as normal, and the catering team will provide meals for those onsite with a direct payment made to those in year groups not in school that are entitled to free school meals.”

Milford Haven Community Primary School Headteacher Stephen Thomas said: “As we are now aware the strike is going ahead, the situation for our school will be as follows: the Meads site – all classes will be open as normal. The Prioryville site – all classes will be open as normal apart from Year 5 (Amroth) and Year 6 (Musselwick).

“The local authority will be arranging a payment, as carried out during the Covid period, for those in receipt of a free school meal in the two closed classes.”

‘Clear mandate’

NEU joint general-secretary Kevin Courtney said the union had postponed strikes on Valentine’s Day “in good faith” while its members weighed up the government’s improved offer.

But teachers had since “emphatically informed us that the offer of an additional 1.5 per cent added to teachers’ pay, plus an additional 1.5 per cent lump-sum, is simply not good enough and fails to address either the cost-of-living crisis, spiralling inflation, nor the damage done to pay since 2010”, he said.

“We have a clear mandate for strike action that is now rescheduled for March 2 in schools across Wales,” Mr Courtney added.

The Welsh Government has defended the offer as “a strong one” in the context of a “reducing” budget for the devolved administration.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

49 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

58 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

1 hour ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!