USING “share sacrifice” to take control of a popular leisure facility near Haverfordwest – with a saving of £70,000 – was approved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet.

A proposal to “acquire” Scolton Manor country park using an “exchange of financial investments” worth £900,000 would make significant savings at handover, with potential for more in the future.

Cabinet member for economy, tourism, leisure, and culture Cllr Paul Miller said that running Scolton Manor costs the authority more than £250,000 a year and “that needs to change and urgently.”

“We can’t spend that amount running Scolton Manor, as nice as the facility is, there are other priorities,” he added.

A new plan would see the Pembrokeshire Fund, set up by Pembrokeshire County Council under the Welsh Church Act 1914, acquire Scolton with the authority taking control of the facility.

The Pembrokeshire Fund incorporates the area’s share of the Dyfed Fund, with Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion also having a share.

Transfer of the property would save the council £13,800 in rent as well as other costs.

By forgoing around 15 per cent of its shares in the Dyfed Fund the council could take over Scolton Manor with plans for its development and improvement underway.

A balance of £34,050 would be paid in cash.

Selling the facility was not considered a viable option as ongoing costs linked to grants and other liabilities would remain.

Cabinet member for finance Cllr Bob Kilmister added that how to deal with Scolton Manor had been on the agenda since his election in 2008 and this was the first step in turning it round.

“I’ve looked at the plans with some interest, I personally believe this is a project that will wipe its face,” he said, adding that the museum and heritage services would be maintained.

Cabinet voted to approve the recommendation “that Scolton Manor is purchased by Pembrokeshire Church Act Fund for the equivalent of £900,000 through an exchange of financial investments for the freehold interest in the property and that steps are taken to formally register the Pembrokeshire Fund as a charity at the Charity Commission."