News

‘No public toilet closures budgeted for this financial year’

Published

1 year ago

July 18, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

NO public toilets are planned to be closed in Pembrokeshire as part of budget savings this financial year, councillors heard.

At the July 13 meeting of the county council, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance Alec Cormack made the assurance in response to a submitted question by Cllr Aled Thomas.

Cllr Thomas had raised the issue as part of a wider submitted question covering budget saving options highlighted ahead of this year’s budget and possible public toilet closures.

In his submitted question he referenced a budget public consultation report which included: “The most controversial proposal closure of public toilets and/or transferring them to other operators eg town and community councils is not included for 2023-24.

“This proposal was included in the budget consultation and was ranked as the least acceptable option in the Environmental services section. Public toilets attracted the single largest number of comments and there were 111 comments describing the importance / benefits of public toilets and / or the negative impacts of closure / general opposition to closure.”

Cllr Thomas, in his submitted question, added: “Members of the public have seen the Cabinet take the decision to press ahead with public toilet closures this financial year despite both of the above points.”

He also asked for a list of budgetary saving measures as well as the anticipated financial year cost saving and impact on free reserves that have been, or are expected to be taken this financial year that were not included in the Budget Saving Options document.

Cllr Cormack disputed the statement by Cllr Thomas on public toilet closures, adding that no definitive list of additional budget savings had yet been defined, but a detailed report was expected in September.

He stressed: “No public toilets are budgeted for savings in this financial year, they will all stay open.”

In a supplementary question, Cllr Thomas responded: “Can you assure me that no public toilets will close in this financial year?”

Cllr Cormack replied: “I’m happy to confirm that no public toilets are planned as budget savings in this financial year.”

He said those at the risk of potential closure, if no agreements with outside bodies – such as town and community councils – can be negotiated, are budgeted to close in the next financial year.

“There is no financial pressure to close any toilets this year, toilet closures will be on the potential budget savings for next year.”

The ‘Band B’ list of some 30-plus public toilets under threat of potential closure were outlined earlier this year.

Councillors have previously heard some public toilets close seasonally as a matter of course.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

3 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

16 hours 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

16 hours 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!