News

Haverfordwest: Retailer and Pembrokeshire Council in war of words

Published

8 years ago

June 22, 2018

Dangerous: The steps to the car park are very steep, unlit and often slippery

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has become embroiled in a war of words with a discount retailer just days before a deadline to sign a land transfer agreement.

An alley next to Poundland in Haverfordwest has been at the centre of contentious planning and anti-social behaviour issues for years.

The alley is frequently the source of complaints involving drug taking, litter, dog mess and lack of access for people with limited mobility.

Pembrokeshire Council is keen to redevelop the alley which includes building on a small section of land to the rear of Poundland.

The redevelopment will see the alley extended through Poundland’s backyard allowing pedestrians to access Castle Lake car park, without having to traverse steep, unlit and often slippery steps up towards the castle.

Pedestrian and disabled access to the car park is currently via an archway on the High Street next to West Wales Properties.

Lisa Evans runs El Sabor, a popular Latin American restaurant at the entrance to the alley in Castle Square. She said the alley is used by gangs of teenagers and people using it as an outdoor toilet.

The Council says it has allocated £240,000 to complete the work, of which £100,000 has been allocated through the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

The THI scheme is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Cadw, but the money must be spent by next March.

Alley: Frequent reports of anti-social behaviour including drugs, urination and litter

Pembrokeshire Council says that if Poundland ‘fails to sign’ the agreement before the end of this month (June), ‘there is a real risk that the scheme will not be able to progress’.

In a statement to the Herald, Pembrokeshire Council said: “Unfortunately, not all of the land required to complete this development is in the ownership of Pembrokeshire County Council”

“Despite terms having been agreed with Poundland for some time, they have yet to formally sign the transfer agreement which would allow works to commence on site.”

The Cabinet Member responsible, Councillor Paul Miller, said: “The Council are committed to this scheme and are in a position to commence work on site within weeks of the required land transfer being signed.

“Unfortunately, however, our ability to complete the scheme is entirely reliant on Poundland doing what they have promised to do for months – sign on the dotted line”

“While the previous administration committed to the use of compulsory purchase powers, they never actually took this forward and, as a result, there is no longer the time available to complete that process.

“This leaves us in a position where we are completely dependent on Poundland and frankly, it’s not a great position to be in.”

When asked for a response to the Council’s statement, Poundland responded: “We lease the land, we don’t own it.

“We’re surprised at [Councillor Miller’s] remarks, as all parties – the Council, owners and ourselves – know we’re working to sign a tripartite agreement ahead of the deadline.”

When pressed on whether the agreement is likely to be signed before the end of this month, Poundland declined to give any further information.

Community

Classic car show returns to Carew airfield this summer

Published

7 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of vehicles, family attractions and local traders set for popular annual event

THE PEMBROKESHIRE CLASSIC CAR CLUB will once again bring a spectacular display of vintage motoring to Carew Airfield this summer, as its annual show returns on Saturday (June 6).

The much-anticipated event, running from 10:00am to 3:00pm, is expected to attract large crowds from across Pembrokeshire and beyond, with organisers promising a full day of entertainment for all ages.

Hundreds of classic cars will be on display, ranging from iconic British models to American classics, offering enthusiasts the chance to get up close to some of the finest vehicles on the road.

Alongside the cars, visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions including craft stalls, food vendors, trade stands and free face painting for children, making it a popular day out for families.

The event will take place at Carew Airfield, a location well known for hosting large-scale gatherings, with easy access and ample space for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Organisers are encouraging car owners, traders and exhibitors to get involved, with applications now open for those wishing to showcase vehicles or run stalls on the day.

Admission prices have been kept affordable, with family tickets priced at £10, while adults and OAPs pay £5 and children £3. Both cash and card payments will be accepted.

A spokesperson for the club said the show continues to grow year on year, adding: “It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate classic cars, and support local traders in a fantastic setting.”

For exhibitor and trade enquiries, contact [email protected]. Stall holders and car boot sellers can apply via [email protected].

Community

Residents evacuated after Carmarthenshire fire as investigation continues

Published

43 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

EMERGENCY SERVICES remain at the scene of a serious property fire in Kidwelly as investigations continue and efforts are made to make the building safe.

The fire broke out on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), prompting a multi-agency response involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Carmarthenshire County Council.

As a precaution, neighbouring properties were evacuated due to safety concerns, with residents temporarily displaced while the structural integrity of the affected building is assessed.

Safety work underway

Contractors were due to begin work at 9:00am on Thursday (March 27) to stabilise the structure and allow investigators to safely access the site. Authorities say the priority is to ensure the building is secure so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.

However, officials have stressed that this will not happen until the site is deemed safe.

Lady Street remains closed while the work is carried out, with disruption expected to continue in the area.

Appeal for information

Police have thanked the local community for their patience and support during the ongoing incident.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage recorded between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Community

Cwm Arian to showcase work at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026

Published

52 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CWM ARIAN Renewable Energy has confirmed it will host a stand at this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, set to take place from Friday, August 1 to Friday, August 8, 2026, at Llantwd in north Pembrokeshire.

The 2026 event is expected to be one of the most significant in recent history, marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi. With the Maes located close to the original site, organisers anticipate a landmark celebration for both the region and Wales as a whole.

The National Eisteddfod is regarded as Europe’s largest cultural festival, drawing around 175,000 visitors each year. It celebrates Welsh language, literature, music and the arts through a packed programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions and community events.

Communities across Pembrokeshire, alongside neighbouring parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, have been working together to fund the festival. Organisers set a target of £400,000, which is now close to being reached, reflecting strong local support.

Anna Mounteney, Communications Coordinator at Cwm Arian, said: “We are delighted to be part of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in such a significant year. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our work, connect with visitors, and celebrate the rich culture and community spirit of west Wales.”

Cwm Arian will be present on the Maes throughout the week, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds.

Cwm Arian is a community benefit society based in west Wales. Its work began with a community wind turbine in Llanfyrnach, which continues to generate renewable energy. The organisation now supports homes, community centres and local groups to install renewable systems, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.