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Community

Pembrokeshire second homes tax to fund vital local projects

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NEARLY £0.6m in grants has been awarded to 10 Pembrokeshire groups using money from the second homes council tax premium after it received the backing of senior councillors today, November 4.

At the November 4 meeting of the county council’s Cabinet, members considered ten applications for funding through the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Large Grant Applications.

In order to be considered for funding, applications are points-based, with one, Haverfordwest Tennis Club just missing out on the 20 points criteria by one point.

The Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant, launched in 2018 supports local communities; funded via a portion of the charges raised through the second homes premium.

To date, Pembrokeshire County Council has awarded £4,482,374 to 272 projects attracting match funding of £4,948,984, investing a total of £9,431,358 into Pembrokeshire communities. 

In July 2023, Cabinet agreed an officer led grant panel determine the outcome of applications below £15,000; those up to £100,000 coming to Cabinet. 

The internal grant panel considered 10 applications, one criticised for arriving slightly late, of which nine met the grant criteria and required scoring threshold of 20 or above.

A report for members said there was an underspend last year of £274,326 rolled into this financial year’s allocation of £400,000; the nine projects for a total value of £766,434 requesting grant support of £560,032.31. 

Fishguard and Goodwick Young Persons Project requested £77,106 for a £96,383 project to help young people aged 11-25 to raise self-esteem and improve their employability skills through activities/lifelong learning.

Arts Care Gofal Care Development requested £56,695 for a £70,868 project for an inclusive dance and performance programme for adults and children with learning disabilities.

Garth Youth and Community Project  ‘You Matter’ wanted £73,069.60 for a £91,337 project enhancing peoples overall mental and physical wellbeing through sporting/games/food activities.

Transport group PACTO – whose application had arrived slightly late – wanted £39,991 for a £50,535 project to meet Welsh Government zero emission transport targets by 2035 by purchasing and managing a ‘Green Bus’ for Bloomfield Community Centre, Narberth; the centrepiece of a net-zero project in Pembrokeshire, promoting sustainable, accessible transport for those with mobility challenges and those with other barriers to conventional transport.

Acts West Wales Cilrath Acre sought £46,992 of £62,092 for a community growing project, which offers volunteer and learning opportunities, giving people the chance to grow food, learn new skills and meet others.

Fishguard Sea Cadets sought £50,000 of £70,000 to secure the land that adjoins its unit to provide safer, more organised outdoor training, and a secure storage area.

Pembroke Dock Cricket Club asked for £58,400 of £73,000 for new changing rooms, the current becoming beyond repair, and lacking adequate inclusive access.

PLANED Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership (PLFP), a partnership between PLANED, PAVS and Pembrokeshire County Council that brings together producers/growers, organisations and communities, creating an active, sustainable food system for Pembrokeshire sought £57,779.17 for a £72,224 project.

The largest amount was from Kilgetty Begelly Community Council, asking £100,000 towards a £179,995 scheme to create a new play park to enhance the village and increase accessibility to the wider communities including the Kingsmoor Common Gypsy Traveller site.

One proposal, which failed the criteria by just one point, was Haverfordwest Tennis Club, seeking £31,208 in funding for a £39,207.72 scheme for floodlights and wheelchair access.

That proposal is currently subject to an ongoing planning application and the scheme would only benefit club members, the report says.

Following a plea by Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller, members agreed to include the tennis club application, subject to it gaining planning permission, and the applicants including a Welsh language policy.

Members backed all ten projects receive funding, for a total of just over £590,240.

Second homes in Pembrokeshire currently pay a 200 per cent council tax premium, which will be reduced to 150 per cent from the next financial year.

Business

Cilgerran cafe could close but a new one could open as plans submitted

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A CALL to convert a Pembrokeshire village café back to a house, while another ongoing scheme in the same village seeks to convert a house to a café, have been submitted to county planners.

David McDonald, through agent Acer Town Planning, seeks permission to change the use of the ground floor of Awelfa, High Street, Cilgerran from a café to being used as part of the attached dwelling.

A supporting statement, through the agent, says Adele’s café at Awelfa, High Street was originally a dwelling but has seen mixed commercial use for decades.

“Prior to opening as Adele’s café by the applicant, the ground floor commercial use had been vacant for around two years having previously been operated as a Chinese takeaway.

“The current owners took over the rental of the property in April 2019 (purchasing in October 2020) and have operated Adele’s café from the premises between June 2019 and August 2024 whilst living in the linked dwellinghouse.

“During this period, the Awelfa, Cilgerran business has been under prolonged and sustained economic pressures from the cost-of-living crisis with the subsequent increases in utility and food costs and minimum wages.

“Summers 2023 and 2024 saw a significant drop in trade from both local customers and, in particular, a drop in the number of tourists visiting the area.  The closure of the toilets and visitors centre at Cilgerran Castle is considered to have contributed to this reduction in visitor numbers.

“The business was closed during January due to low trade and opened again in February for three days a week and then four days a week from April.  Even with reduced opening hours the business has not been viable for the applicant to continue operating.  The reluctant decision was therefore made to sell the property and trading ceased on August 24.”

The statement says was put up for sale with no offers to buy despite several price reductions, with only three viewings in total.

“In order to increase the pool of buyers for the property, the applicant is now applying for the change of use of the café areas back to form part of the residential use of the main dwelling (as per the original building),” the statement adds.

It also references an unrelated application to convert The Old Post House, High Street, owned by nearby village stores Siop Y Pentre, from a dwelling to a café and flat, saying it “could act as a replacement facility for the community”.

Both applications are currently before planners and are expected to be considered at a later date.

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Community

Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest is now officially open!

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WALDO Lounge has officially joined Haverfordwest High Street, promising to be a “home-from-home” with a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of offerings for the community.

The venue offers an all-day menu featuring everything from hearty breakfasts to indulgent dinners, with dedicated gluten-free and vegan menus ensuring there’s something for everyone. Guests can enjoy a relaxed environment complete with board games for all ages, toys for younger visitors, and even refreshments for canine companions. Whether you’re stopping by for coffee with friends, a family brunch, or an evening meal, Waldo Lounge aims to create a space where every customer leaves happy.

The ground floor of the Western Quayside development has been transformed by Loungers PLC into a cosy yet stylish haven. Highlights include vibrant wallpapers, Gothic chandeliers, vintage sofas, and a back bar mural that nods to Haverfordwest’s mediaeval past.

Gemma Irwin, Head of Community at Loungers, shared her enthusiasm for the opening:
“We are delighted to bring Waldo Lounge to Haverfordwest. At Loungers, we put community at the heart of hospitality. Our teams are encouraged to connect with local groups, charities, and businesses, making a meaningful difference. We can’t wait to welcome residents to our new home.”

The venue’s family-friendly ethos extends to providing high chairs, baby-changing facilities, and a selection of games and activities for younger guests. With this combination of features, Waldo Lounge seeks to become a central hub for the community.

Council leaders have praised the addition to Haverfordwest’s town centre. Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Cllr Jon Harvey, commented: “This is a fantastic addition to the hospitality sector in Haverfordwest. Waldo Lounge will undoubtedly improve footfall and vibrancy, showcasing Western Quayside as a key asset to our town.”

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Cllr Paul Miller, added: “Loungers shares our vision for Western Quayside, and this opening represents a significant step in regenerating Haverfordwest. It’s exciting to see the area evolving into a great place to live, work, and visit.”

Paul McGeown, a Site Manager for Loungers who oversaw the Waldo Lounge project, shared his experience: “The project itself was an enjoyable one, and the community were great and very welcoming. I’ve been with Loungers for over seven years now, working nationally since October 2017, and it’s been amazing to be part of such a rapidly expanding and fantastic company. My family lives in Pembrokeshire, so I’ll definitely be visiting Waldo Lounge when I’m there on holiday. I wish the team every success in their new home!”

With its eclectic design, varied menu, and community focus, Waldo Lounge is poised to become a firm favourite among residents and visitors alike.

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Community

New art trail is afoot in Fishguard and Goodwick!

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A NEW sculpture trail Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed linking Fishguard and Goodwick is due to be launched December 15th 2024.

Commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council with UK Government funding, the trail has been designed and delivered by local creative organisation Small World Theatre, based in nearby Cardigan.

Local artists from the region have designed and fabricated the artworks in their studios. The trail also includes augmented reality artworks that the viewer can see in the landscape using their phone.

The trails make use of existing and maintained pathways such as the boardwalk on Goodwick Moor, a wildlife reserve and the Marine Walk which is an accessible coastal path.

The new artworks will also be interspersed with existing artworks and heritage monuments and tell the twin towns heritage stories while celebrating the unique biodiversity and wildlife of the area.

A hand drawn and illustrated map will guide walkers along the various route options and website will give further details about the artworks, the artists and a digital version of the map.

Six new sculptures and eight augmented reality artworks have been commissioned as well as a series of decorated waymarkers. Sculptural archways created by Bill Hamblett will mark key route directions and celebrate local wildlife and heritage.

The launch event begins 2pm at Ocean Lab, Goodwick Sunday, December 15th and the artists will lead a guided walk along one of the trail routes.

Everyone is welcome, this is a free family friendly event and the route taken will be accessible to wheelchair users.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “This innovative project will bring the rich history of Fishguard and Goodwick to life through both physical and virtual art for us all to enjoy. It promises to be a really interesting experience, not just for those visiting the area but also those who already live in this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire.”

A stunning five metre stainless steel seahorse created by Pembrokeshire-based artist Gideon Peterson will sit at the entrance to the Marine Walk, overlooking Goodwick beach and Fishguard Harbour.

Many of the artworks are interactive or kinetic such as a wind-powered shoal of fish and a giant kaleidoscope showcasing local children’s drawings at Goodwick Parrog, made using reclaimed materials by artist duo Toby Downing and Ben Cramp.

A playful hand painted sculpture of Jemima Nicholas, created by Ann Shrosbree with painting by Sarah Hope, was originally inspired by a young person’s drawing and an augmented reality immersive experience awaits viewers with artworks by Seán Vicary and Steve Knight.

The area is known for its focus on arts and culture and these trails are the latest manifestation of this. For those who love culture as well as stunning coastal scenery and wildlife, this is an ideal combination.

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