Latest news with #Sinnett
Western Telegraph
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Western Telegraph
Joe Ledley opens new 3G pitch at Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby
The full-size artificial pitch at Ysgol Greenhill in Tenby was unveiled by the Cymru Football Foundation (CFF) as its latest 'Fit-For-Future' facility, following a major investment of nearly £400,000. The funding was part of the UK Government's Multi-Sport Grassroots Facility Programme, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The project involved resurfacing and extending the existing 2G pitch, with additional support from Sport Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council. Councillor Rhys Sinnett, cabinet member for resident services at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to see the completion of this fantastic new 3G facility at Greenhill. "Thanks to joint funding from the Cymru Football Foundation and Sport Wales, through Welsh Government grant support, we've been able to deliver a top-quality surface that will benefit both the school and the wider community. "This £700,000 investment is not just about new turf – it's about creating opportunities for young people and residents of all ages to get involved in football and rugby, whether that's through competitive fixtures or recreational play. "The improved surface, extended playing area, new fencing and energy-efficient lighting mean this facility is fit for the future." The pitch will be managed by Pembrokeshire Leisure, with Councillor Sinnett calling the project a 'brilliant example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working and a shared vision for education and grassroots sport.' The pitch will be used by pupils during school hours and made available for community use in the evenings, supporting grassroots football and other sports. Former Cymru international Joe Ledley attended the opening, marking the 16th full-size 3G pitch in Wales backed by the CFF. Aled Lewis, director at the Cymru Football Foundation, said: "The Cymru Football Foundation is committed to investing in facilities that inspire communities. "A new facility in the heart of Tenby will enable more players to play, improve the experiences of current players and act as a hub for sport in the local community. "A huge thank you to our partners, UK Government and both Pembrokeshire County Council and Sport Wales in supporting the development of such a high-quality facility." Since February 2022, the CFF has invested more than £17 million in football facilities across Wales.
Western Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Western Telegraph
'Ugly' new FIshguard town centre structure causes a stir
The large grey object looks a bit like a picnic table, but the table has been elevated to a height of more than two metres. The construction appeared at Fishguard's Fordd yr Efail last weekend, leading locals to speculate as to its use. (Image: Western Telegraph) Residents have also complained about the ugly appearance of the structure that has sprung up on the block paving on the multi-million pound road scheme and questioned how it seems to have been built without planning permission. The Western Telegraph can reveal that the structure is a Zolar Tree, used for charging the e-bikes introduced in the county last year. Pembrokeshire County Council's £150,000 e-bike scheme was set up in Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Goodwick and Tenby last year as part of a one-year trial, funded by the Swansea Bay and South West Wales Metro programme. The scheme got off to a rocky start when fears of vandalism by revellers and mischief-makers forced the authority to cut down their weekend night-time availability hours. In June, the council reported that the e-bikes were currently unavailable to hire in Haverfordwest 'due to required repairs'. However, in October Cabinet Member for Resident Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, told the council that the scheme had proved popular. Cllr Sinnett added that as many as 50 additional bikes, with extra security features along with 'solar tree' charging facilities, were expected soon at no additional cost and there had been requests for the scheme to expand into other areas. E-bikes are a combination of a conventional bike with a motor that take some of the effort out of pedalling for the rider. They cover greater distances in less time and with less effort than conventional cycles. Users are able to collect and leave e-bikes at a handy series of pick-up and drop-off sites. The aim is to give residents and visitors an alternative method of travel rather than rely upon cars for short trips under 2km. Users, who need to be over 18, can access the e-bikes through the Zipp Mobility app via mobile phones. The app also provides details of costs and once downloaded you can register to get ready to ride. The e-bikes must be collected from and returned to a series of bays across each of the towns.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'Ugly' new Pembrokeshire town centre structure causes a stir
Locals in Fishguard have been baffled by a strange construction that seems to have popped up overnight up in the town centre. The large grey object looks a bit like a picnic table, but the table has been elevated to a height of more than two metres. The construction appeared at Fishguard's Fordd yr Efail last weekend, leading locals to speculate as to its use. (Image: Western Telegraph) Residents have also complained about the ugly appearance of the structure that has sprung up on the block paving on the multi-million pound road scheme and questioned how it seems to have been built without planning permission. The Western Telegraph can reveal that the structure is a Zolar Tree, used for charging the e-bikes introduced in the county last year. Pembrokeshire County Council's £150,000 e-bike scheme was set up in Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Goodwick and Tenby last year as part of a one-year trial, funded by the Swansea Bay and South West Wales Metro programme. The scheme got off to a rocky start when fears of vandalism by revellers and mischief-makers forced the authority to cut down their weekend night-time availability hours. In June, the council reported that the e-bikes were currently unavailable to hire in Haverfordwest 'due to required repairs'. However, in October Cabinet Member for Resident Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, told the council that the scheme had proved popular. Cllr Sinnett added that as many as 50 additional bikes, with extra security features along with 'solar tree' charging facilities, were expected soon at no additional cost and there had been requests for the scheme to expand into other areas. E-bikes are a combination of a conventional bike with a motor that take some of the effort out of pedalling for the rider. They cover greater distances in less time and with less effort than conventional cycles. Users are able to collect and leave e-bikes at a handy series of pick-up and drop-off sites. The aim is to give residents and visitors an alternative method of travel rather than rely upon cars for short trips under 2km. Users, who need to be over 18, can access the e-bikes through the Zipp Mobility app via mobile phones. The app also provides details of costs and once downloaded you can register to get ready to ride. The e-bikes must be collected from and returned to a series of bays across each of the towns.
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Removal of street lights saves Welsh council £1.5m
Removal of street lights saves Welsh council £1.5m The changes to streetlight provision has seen their loss in some rural areas Alterations to street lighting in Pembrokeshire, resulting in the removal of some lights in rural locales, have reportedly led to savings of £1.5 million annually for the council. At the May session of Pembrokeshire Council, Councillor Michael John posed a question highlighting concerns: "The loss of streetlights in rural areas is an issue which causes great concern to any members of the public affected, and one which is raised with me regularly." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . He continued to express the shared worries among constituents: "I believe it is an issue that a number of other members have raised and continue to raise with the department also. Given the policy was introduced around 2006, nearly 20 years ago, does the Cabinet Member agree it would be a good time for it to be reviewed?". In reply, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, Councillor Rhys Sinnett, recalled the initiation of these changes being spurred by a motion from a former county councillor in 2008. He explained that the necessity for lighting was determined based on criteria including night-time accidents, frequency of use by traffic and pedestrians, crime rates at night, and local residential populations. Article continues below The council meeting was informed that savings were derived from adopting more efficient LED lighting, data-driven approaches to where new lighting should be installed, and removing lighting that fell short of the established criteria, leading to an annual £1.5 million saving alongside reduced carbon emissions. Councillor Sinnett acknowledged the issues brought up since the implementation of the lighting changes and agreed they could be re-evaluated by an appropriate council scrutiny committee. Councillor Sinnett expressed his backing as one of the early proponents of the policy shift, acknowledging that while it hasn't been met with unanimous approval, the change "has had some quite positive effects in terms of budget savings and carbon reduction". He concluded: "I commend the administration of the time for having the courage to introduce that." Article continues below
Pembrokeshire Herald
05-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Pembrokeshire councillors to consider call for devolution of Crown Estate to Wales
A CALL for Pembrokeshire to support the Crown Estate assets in Wales being devolved to its people is to be considered by full council after being backed in principle by senior councillors. Proceeds from those go to the Crown Estate, funding the Royal Family and contributing to the UK Treasury. Responsibility for the Crown Estate is already devolved to the Scottish Government, which has previously been reported as generating £103.6 million into the public coffers in Scotland in 2023. A notice of motion, previously submitted to the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, then sent to the April 28 meeting of the council's Cabinet, by Plaid Cymru councillor Michael Williams said: 'We ask PCC to support the proposal for the Crown Estate assets to be devolved to the people of Wales, so that profits can be used to invest in the economy and communities of Wales. 'A poll in 2023 showed that 75 per cent of the population were in favour of taking control of the assets of the Crown estate rather than the profits going to the Treasury and the Crown. 'Local authorities are under huge financial pressure and placing the Crown Estate in the hands of Wales would be a significant step to address the lack of investment in our local government. 'We call upon the Welsh Government to ask Westminster to devolve the assets and revenue of the Crown Estates as a matter of urgency, as was done in Scotland in 2017. 'We demand that Wales is treated fairly and accepts management of the Crown Estate land for the benefit of the people of Wales.' At the April meeting, Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said he was supportive of the motion, moving a recommendation it be referred to full council with a recommendation of adoption. Cabinet Member for Residents' Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett, the other Plaid Cymru member of the council, said: 'Not many people will be surprised I support this 100 per cent. It's very much about equity and fairness, why should Wales be treated any different to Scotland?' Of the 22 local authorities in Wales, only Pembrokeshire and Torfaen have not passed a similar notice of motion to date, Cllr Sinnett said. 'It would seem very strange for us to not support a campaign that seeks to bring any sort of funding to Pembrokeshire; Welsh Government is supportive of devolution, it seems to be an issue in Westminster,' Cllr Sinnett added. Members backed the recommendation, with one vote of dissention, Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller. Councillors have previously heard the Crown Estates derives nearly £60,000 from some 16 leases in Pembrokeshire. The £59,005 includes £26,600 for foreshore lease agreements, £8,520 for the land around Haverfordwest's Riverside Market, and £12,800 for a sailing centre and care park at Cosheston Pill near Pembroke Dock. Late last year councillors in neighbouring Ceredigion backed a call for the Crown Estate assets to be devolved to the people of Wales, following a notice of motion by Cllr Catrin M S Davies, seconded by Cllr Alun Williams.
