Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Politics

Welsh Lib Dems set out their priorities for Wales ahead of budget

Published

on

AHEAD of the announcement of the Welsh Government’s budget on the 19th of December, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have laid down their priorities for Wales.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats’ priorities are as follows:

  1. Investing in our NHS and fixing the crisis in NHS dentistry and cutting waiting times.
  2. Investing in children, helping to tackle the schools funding crisis and supporting childcare providers.
  3. Investing in our economy by extending financial support for small businesses for a further year whilst also supporting people with the cost of living.

Commenting, Jane Dodds MS said: “In the wake of the upcoming Welsh Government budget, I want to make my priorities for our country clear.

In what will be a difficult budget, it is not enough to say that there is no money. Our public services are at breaking point, and this must be a turning point for our country. It’s time to innovate and to show that devolution can deliver better solutions for Wales.

Our NHS, schools and businesses are struggling, and the Conservatives’ cost of living crisis continues to bite. We cannot continue like this.”

The party has set out several priorities for the forthcoming budget.

Access to GPs and dentists is becoming harder and harder, and the party has set out a focus on moving the logjam in our GP and dental surgeries, building on the party’s 2023 report Filling the Gap.

Business confidence is at a persistent low, with small businesses struggling to continue to operate and invest in their businesses. The party has called for an extension to business rates relief for small business, hospitality, and leisure.

The party has also set out proposals to tackle the school funding crisis and ensure that children from low-income families do not fall behind following statistics that show that the attainment gap between children has widened. The party has set out proposals to reform the Pupil Development Grant, a policy introduced by the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the 4th Senedd.

The party has also reiterated calls to speed up the roll out the next phase of the Warm Homes Programme, and to ensure the continuation of Discretionary Assistance Funds and Discretionary Housing Funds to help prevent homelessness.

 

Community

Coastal path section hit by weekend landslide has now reopened

Published

on

A SECTION of a south Pembrokeshire seaside coastal path, closed once again after a landslide at the weekend, has now reopened.

After a landslide on July 12, Dyfed-Powys Police reported delays on the footpath between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge, advising people to use alternative routes where possible or allow extra time for their journey.

The section of the south Pembrokeshire beach-side coastal path has been closed several times since late 2023 after it experienced ‘substantial rock falls’.

The footpath was last closed in January 2025, following a number of landslips in the space of one week.

The path, known as the Tramway, which connects Wiseman’s Bridge to Coppet Hall in Saundersfoot is a popular and accessible stretch of the Wales Coast Path.

Following Sunday’s rock fall, Pembrokeshire County Council has said: “The footpath between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge has re-opened following a rock fall at the weekend.

“The rock fall has been assessed as localised and from a low level. The path has therefore re-opened and work to remove the fallen material will be carried out in due course.”

The path was previously closed after it experienced ‘substantial rock falls’ in late 2023 and early 2024, with substantial investment made by the council to reopen the route.

In January 2025 a further fall happened towards the western end of the Wisemans Bridge to Coppet Hall cycleway, between the Coppet Hall and Wisemans Bridge tunnels, affecting access between Wisemans Bridge and Coppet Hall beach.

Costs of the works for the multiple incidents had, back in March 2025, amounted to nearly £700,000.

During 2024’s works, local councillor Chris Williams hit out at “selfish” path users putting others at risk by repeatedly cutting open safety barriers and fencing while the repair works were being undertaken.

 

Continue Reading

Education

New classroom for Pembrokeshire Ysgol Brynconin school backed

Published

on

A CALL to replace a Pembrokeshire village school classroom that had reached the end of its life with a modern facility has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, the local authority itself, through agent Williams-Architects Ltd, sought permission for the erection of a new modular classroom building at the site of Llandissilio’s Ysgol Brynconin Welsh Medium 3-11 school, along with the demolition of the existing modular classroom building.

A supporting statement said: “In addition to the main school building, some classroom and library facilities are located in a prefabricated hut within the school grounds constructed under the historical HORSA programme.

“Despite various upgrades over its lifespan including insulation and new windows, the building is no longer fit for purpose, and a replacement is required to ensure the school can continue to provide its pupils with modern, suitably equipped and compliant facilities that enable high quality education.”

HORSA buildings were originally designed as temporary structures, typically constructed using prefabricated concrete, timber, and steel to facilitate rapid assembly.

Although intended for short-term use, many HORSA buildings have remained in operation for decades. Over time, these structures have surpassed their intended lifespan, leading to significant structural issues, such as weakened frames, deteriorating roofs and external facades.

The statement added: “The primary use of the replacement building will remain as currently; it will include a single classroom alongside a multifunctional space which will be used as a library, staff and group room as required. It will also include an additional toilet, new accessible toilet, a cleaners’ store and formal classroom storage.

“The intention of the proposed building is to replace an existing classroom facility which is no longer fit for purpose, and whilst a simple replacement will significantly improve the day-to-day experience of the staff and pupils who currently use this building.”

An officer report recommending approval said that, while the proposed replacement building would not result in any greater impact on the visual amenity in terms of its design, scale and overall appearance, the proposal includes the demolition of an existing building which could have an impact on the local amenity during the demolition process.

It said that, since local concerns were raised, a Demolition and Construction statement has set out the proposed demolition methodology and construction process, including details of the sequence of works, hours, and anticipated timeframe, and it is considered that the proposed demolition and construction “will have no significant detrimental impact upon the locality amenity”.

The application was conditionally approved.

Back in July 2025, members of the council’s Cabinet backed approval for a new modular building at Ysgol Brynconin, members hearing that “the external structure has rapidly declined, with the render board failing and allowing water ingress into the areas of external wall insulation”.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Former St Davids GP surgery to holiday let and home conversion conditionally approved

Published

on

PLANS to convert a former GP surgery in Pembrokeshire’s only city to a home and to build a holiday let in its grounds have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Alice and Danjal Joensen, through agent Oochitecture, sought permission for a change of use of the ground floor of the former GP surgery, Eryl Mor, 36, New Street, St Davids, merging with an existing first-floor apartment to create a larger single dwelling house, along with the creation of an attached short-term holiday let.

The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured.

A supporting statement says, prior to being a GP surgery, the two-storey element was a single dwelling house.

It adds: “The house would consist of an open plan kitchen-living space to the ground floor, along with a study, lounge and utility room. The first floor includes four double bedrooms with ensuite and main bathroom.

“The new unit of accommodation would form a holiday-let with two double bedrooms, shower room, and an open plan kitchen-living space.

“The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured, therefore the proposed change of use will provide a viable long-term future use for the property.”

It said minimal external alterations are proposed to the property with existing entrances utilised for both the main house and holiday-let, adding: “The existing concrete ramp to the front elevation will be retained with proposed works including extending the upper level and steps to provide a connection to the front door, allowing for accessible entrance to the property.

“There will be no changes to vehicular or pedestrian access, with the site continuing to be accessed via the existing entrance from New Street. Parking will be provided for the main house and holiday-let on the existing tarmac driveway off New Street.”

An officer report recommending approval said the application included a unilateral undertaking agreement for a contribution towards off-site affordable housing.

Of the loss of the surgery itself, it said: “Given that the loss of the surgery was a high-level decision made by the Health Board, it is not considered that the current proposal would have a detrimental impact upon the community.”

The application was conditionally approved by Park planners, conditions including the affordable housing contribution.

 

Continue Reading

Crime44 minutes ago

Narberth retailer speaks of shoplifting toll after ‘collectable bear’ stolen

Independent shop owner said rising costs meant businesses could not afford to absorb losses caused by theft A NARBERTH retailer...

Crime1 hour ago

Teen accused of attempting to murder teacher says she lied about stabbing

Defendant accepts teacher was terrified and that a knife wound to the head could kill, but denies deliberately attacking her...

Local Government2 days ago

Calls grow for independent investigation into Manorbier school closure

Councillor alleges misleading figures, inadequate insurance and poor treatment of staff CALLS for an independent investigation into the controversial closure...

Community2 days ago

Neyland Carnival hailed a huge success after streets fill with colour and crowds

NEYLAND CARNIVAL organisers have thanked the community, volunteers and local businesses who helped make this year’s event a memorable success....

Community2 days ago

Tenby Summer Spectacular: Anger grows over ‘disaster waiting to happen’ warning

A growing backlash has followed police calls for the event’s licence to be revoked, with supporters questioning why authorities failed...

Charity3 days ago

RSPB secures ‘missing link’ to reconnect wildlife habitats in Carmarthenshire

RSPB CYMRU has purchased a 96-hectare upland site in Carmarthenshire, describing it as a vital step towards reconnecting one of...

Crime4 days ago

Ann Widdecombe: Welsh politicians pay tribute as murder probe launched

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the former minister’s “conviction and dedication”, while political figures in Wales remembered her...

News4 days ago

Solardo pulls out of Haverfordwest show as organisers offer full refunds

Headline act confirms non-appearance as Park House Series announces major event changes DANCE music duo Solardo will no longer perform...

Local Government4 days ago

Conservatives win Pembroke Dock seat as Reform stalls and Dowson polls just 11

Jamie Street takes Market ward with a 43-vote majority as Reform finishes fourth despite its major Senedd breakthrough two months...

Health4 days ago

Hospital ward closed after highly contagious scabies outbreak

Hywel Dda confirms wider rise in cases across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion as patients and staff are offered treatment A...

Popular This Week