News

Port Authority’s plans ‘flawed’

Published

11 years ago

January 22, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Redevelopment plans: Milford Docks • Picture Ade Owens – Flickr

THE DECISION by the County Council to defer a decision on Milford Haven Port Authority’s ambitious plans has given rise to hope that the Authority will now engage properly with local stakeholders and existing tenants before pressing ahead with its planned redevelopment of the marina and docks area. At the meeting in the Milford Town Hall at the end of September, the Port Authority assured the assembled town councillors and members of the public that, upon demolition of the Old Docks Office there would be an exact replica built. The Authority’s Estates Director, Jeff Teague had stated the same in several public meetings: using the phrase “stone by stone and brick by brick”. Over time, that undertaking changed to “preserving the original part of the building”.

At that meeting, Jeff Teague was tackled about the effect of building a cinema on the site and its effect on the Torch Theatre’s widely-praised cinema facility. It emerged that, contrary to previous statements made on the subject, not only had no agreement been reached with the Torch Theatre, but that the idea floated at the meeting by Mr Teague (that the Torch would somehow run the proposed cinema on the marina) had not even been put to the Theatre. Plans placed before the Council, however, show a markedly different approach to the redevelopment of the Old Docks Office. Instead of a sympathetic rebuild, the proposed new building truncates the original in such a way as to leave, in the words of one local, “a potting shed” in its place.

Billa Schleicher of All Pets Vet Care told us: “Rob Peters from Turley, was at the Planning meeting on December 16 as a representative of MHPA. “After his speech, asking for approval of the application for demolition of the Old Docks Office, he was asked by Councillor Jacob Williams why he had specified a partial and not total rebuild. “Mr Peters replied that the existing building has been extended a number of times and the core part of the building, the oldest part of the building, is only the middle five bays.

“But that is not correct: the original part is ten bays long and, more to the point, it is going to be only some doors and windows that will be retained: hardly “brick by brick” as touted to the Town Council.” Billa continued: “I confronted them about this after the meeting – Jeff Teague then told me that they only did what CADW had asked them to do – it was nothing to do with them! My own enquiries suggest that is being very economical with the truth.”

Touching upon a separate concern regarding traffic, Billa said: “The artist impression that graces the front of the application suggests that the development will be a calm, wonderful public space with people strolling along and sitting there enjoying the peace and quiet. A marked area where they can easily cross the road over to the building on the left of the picture, which presumably is the museum.

“What a shame they did not get the dimensions right. What looks like a single lane on the picture would be a double lane, with cars rushing past and delivery lorries passing by to service the supermarket and the other chain retail outlets scheduled for construction; scarcely conducive to trundling along at 10 miles an hour, while people cross the road in a leisurely fashion to visit the museum. The plans are hopelessly flawed.” Billa concluded: “We have seen plenty of different plays, showing plenty of different layouts and several locations for where the Port wants to re-locate our own business. They have actually instructed an architect to design a building for us in the car park close to the Norrard building. The problem is that with so many different versions of plans and different stories being told to different people at different times, how are we supposed to trust them to stick to their end of any deal?”

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.