Strategic proposal calls for temporary suspension of rates to support shops and businesses during town centre regeneration

A PROPOSAL for Haverfordwest to become the Welsh Government’s national pilot for the temporary suspension of business rates has been presented to local politicians and business representatives.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner unveiled the 24-page strategic report following 18 months of work and more than two years of discussions with residents and traders.

He said business rates had repeatedly been identified as one of the greatest obstacles facing Haverfordwest town centre, particularly while major regeneration work is taking place.

The proposed pilot would temporarily suspend business rates during the regeneration programme, with the aim of attracting new investment, supporting existing traders and bringing vacant premises back into use.

Councillor Thomas-Turner said the initiative could also create jobs, increase footfall and help the town maximise the economic benefits of projects including the redevelopment and reopening of Haverfordwest Castle.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting attended by Henry Tufnell MP, Paul Davies MS, county councillor Dai Clements, Plaid Cymru representative Billy Shaw, Deputy Mayor Councillor Adam Benson-Davies, Hedi Lewis of Haverfordwest Business Circle and independent business owner Ben Evans.

Councillor Thomas-Turner said Paul Davies MS had pledged his support, while representatives from Labour and Plaid Cymru had also engaged positively with the proposal.

He said: “This is not about party politics. It is about securing the best possible future for Haverfordwest and ensuring businesses are supported while the town undergoes significant regeneration.

“A temporary suspension of business rates could encourage new businesses to invest, protect existing traders, create jobs and help fill empty shops.

“Today was not the finish line. It was the beginning of the next stage of the campaign.”

He added that the proposal would require support from residents, businesses, Haverfordwest Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Members of the Senedd, the local MP and the Welsh Government.

No representative from Reform UK attended the meeting.

CAPTION:

Political representatives and members of Haverfordwest’s business community met to discuss the proposed business rates pilot.

Four people were arrested after the seriously injured man arrived at hospital during the early hours of Wednesday

A MAN who suffered serious injuries in a suspected assault in Carmarthen has now been discharged from hospital, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police launched an attempted murder investigation after hospital staff contacted officers when the injured man arrived for treatment during the early hours of Wednesday (July 15).

Initial police enquiries indicated that the man may have been assaulted at a property in the Brynmeurig area of the town.

Officers attended the address and established a cordon while detectives investigated how the man had sustained his injuries.

Four people were subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

In an update issued on Friday (July 17), police confirmed that the injured man had been released from hospital.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.

Year 6 pupil says the school’s 180-year connection with the Church should be celebrated, as the Church in Wales warns legal action could follow

PUPILS, parents and governors have spoken out against plans to remove the Church in Wales status of Ysgol Cilgerran.

The Church in Wales has released a series of videos featuring members of the school community as opposition continues to Pembrokeshire County Council’s decision to change the Welsh-medium primary school from a Voluntary Controlled school to a community school.

In one of the videos, Year 6 pupil Ffion makes a direct appeal for the school’s historic identity to be protected.

She said: “We have a strong connection between the school and the church, and that’s something to celebrate, not take away.”

Ffion added that supporters would continue campaigning against the change, saying: “We’re still fighting and we won’t stop.”

Parent and chair of governors Kelly Davies has also explained why retaining the school’s Voluntary Controlled status matters to her family and the wider Cilgerran community.

Former pupil and safeguarding governor Sarah Moore made a further appeal outside Pembrokeshire County Hall, calling for the school to be allowed to retain its identity.

Ysgol Cilgerran was founded by the Church and has served the community for more than 180 years.

Pembrokeshire County Council voted in May to proceed with the statutory process of discontinuing the existing Voluntary Controlled school and establishing a community school on the same site.

The proposal attracted overwhelming opposition during the consultation process.

Of the 203 responses received, 197 objected to the change, representing 97% of those who took part. Just three respondents supported the proposal.

The council has argued that changing the school’s status would improve its long-term resilience and make it possible for Ysgol Cilgerran to federate with neighbouring community schools should that become necessary in the future.

It has said there is currently no proposal to federate the school, replace its leadership or alter its Welsh-medium provision.

However, the Church in Wales has described the move as a “gratuitous attack” on faith education and has warned that legal action could follow if the council proceeds.

The Church also disputes the council’s position regarding the school site, part of which is Church-owned, and has indicated that the land would not automatically be made available for a successor community school.

Campaigners say Ysgol Cilgerran is a thriving school and that its Church status remains an important part of its history, character and relationship with the local community.