Community
£4,000 metal Christmas tree divides opinion in Cardigan
A £4,000 metal Christmas tree in Cardigan has sparked heated debate among residents, with opinions ranging from admiration to outrage over the cost and design.
The tree is described as a “modern festive centrepiece,” intended to enhance the town’s holiday charm. At night, its illuminated frame has been praised as a striking addition to Cardigan’s streetscape. However, critics argue the daytime view reveals a less appealing “builders’ yard aesthetic.”
On social media, opinions are sharply divided. Some residents, like Francesca Loveday, appreciated the tree, saying it had attracted children and added to the festive atmosphere. “The whole town looks lovely at night with the lights and lanterns,” commented Wendy Yates.
However, others criticized the expenditure, especially during tough economic times. “It’s basically scaffolding poles with lights draped over it,” remarked Michelle Hughes, adding that it’s an “absolute eyesore” during the day.
Value for money questioned
Several residents expressed concern about the cost. “£4,000 for this? It’s outrageous!” said one local. Others suggested alternative ways the money could have been spent, such as funding community projects or supporting vulnerable groups.
Councillor Mal Evans defended the decision, stating that the tree aligns with efforts to modernize the town’s decorations and draw more visitors during the festive season. “Shops and businesses have worked hard to bring a fabulous Christmas display to the town,” he said. “This tree is part of that vision.”
In addition to debates over aesthetics and cost, safety concerns have been raised. Resident Anthony Probert warned of potential hazards, describing the tree as a “health and safety nightmare” due to its exposed electric components and climbable frame.
Mixed reviews on festive efforts
Despite the controversy surrounding the tree, many agree that Cardigan’s overall Christmas display is impressive. The decorated shopfronts, lanterns, and lights have been widely praised, even by those who dislike the tree.
Cardigan Town Council said it’s part of cost-cutting measures which will help save the authority £1,000 a year as the structure can be reused.
The local town council has also argued that cutting and transporting a tree every year doesn’t meet its goals to reduce its carbon footprint.
A spokesperson for the council said: “The annual Christmas budget is set in January and varies between £5,000 and £10,000 every year. We are currently just over £6,000 for all of the decorations in town this year. “It covers everything from hiring telehandlers to replacing lights as well as purchasing the lights and frame for our new tree installation. We have invested in this product, which can be easily stored and reused, because it will save us the cost of a live tree every year, an estimated annual saving of £1,000.
“There is also a pressure on councils to consider reducing their carbon footprint and to promote biodiversity and we agreed as a council that cutting and transporting a live tree every year did not support our aim to meet these guidelines.”
Community
Call for better communication on closures of flood-hit Pembrokeshire roads
CALLS to improve the communication of road closures at a regularly flood-hit road at the entrance to Tenby are to be heard later this week.
The Gumfreston area near the south Pembrokeshire seaside town is regularly hit with flood, and councillors recently heard its existing warning system appeared to not like working when its wet.
In a submitted question before the December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Rhys Jordan will say: “The B4318 at Gumfreston is prone to persistent flooding during adverse weather conditions, leading to road closures that disrupt travel and pose safety risks for residents and motorists.
“Currently, closures are not effectively communicated to residents, causing inconvenience, delays, and potential hazards. An efficient alert system would provide timely information to residents, allowing them to plan alternative routes and ensuring safety.”
Back in October, Cllr Jordan had asked at full council for an update on progress made toward improving the flood warning system in the Gumfreston area.
He had asked: “Can you give me an assurance that the flood warning system will actually work this autumn and winter?
“Only yesterday [October 16] the road was flooded and no warning signs were on; it seems to work when the road is not flooded, but they don’t like operating when its wet.”
He described it as “probably the most closed road in the county,” but one where there was the least communication on.
Members were given a ‘full commitment’ improvements to the warning systems would be made.
Community
Plans to relocate Pembroke Dock police station submitted
AN APPLICATION to move Pembroke Dock’s police station from its “no longer fit for purpose” Water Street location to a former council building have been submitted to county planners.
Dyfed Powys Police, through agent Asbri Planning Ltd is seeking a change of use of the former Public Information Centre, Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock to a police station.
A supporting statement says the former Public information Centre has been deemed surplus to requirements due to changes in working patterns, with Dyfed Powys Police declaring a strong interest in purchasing the property “to enable a more efficient building to house their new model hub for policing” than its current building in nearby Water Street.
It adds: “Should planning be approved, Dyfed Powys Police will progress with the sale of the current police station with the property then being advertised for sale on the open market.”
The statement says: “The Public information Centre was formerly used by Pembrokeshire Council to accommodate a number of services including adult and children social services and housing. The use of the building was predominantly used as an office for council operatives, however, due to a shift in working environment and the council employing a flexible approach to working, the use of the building was deemed surplus to requirements. Accordingly, the use of the building by the Council ceased in early 2024 and the and the services moved online. The building has been vacant since and it is an expense to the council to keep maintain the building with no business use.”
It goes on to say: “The proposed re-location of the police operation from Water Street to Argyle Street will require no alterations to the building; it is considered adequate for the intended use with no changes required. The nature of policing also means the transition should be seamless as it is akin to a business use moving back into the property. The office is served by adequate parking for the intended number of employees without a need for any additional spaces.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Community
Haverfordwest antisocial behaviour action a ‘waste of money’
A PUBLIC protection order, introduced in the centre of Haverfordwest to tackle antisocial behaviour more than two years ago has been a “waste of taxpayers’ money,” with no prosecutions or penalties issued, councillors will hear.
Prior to its backing in mid 2022, a plan to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Haverfordwest town centre had been under discussion for some time, with a public consultation on the matter, as well as previous debates by Pembrokeshire County Council.
The proposals were brought by the town’s five county councillors, initially prompted by anti-social behaviour and drinking issues at the skate park and were developed in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police.
Claims had previously been made that “gangs of feral children are roaming around town”, with members of the public subject to verbal and physical abuse in Haverfordwest, and a “criminal element” dealing drugs in the town.
The PSPO gives police and PCSOs additional powers for three years to issue a fixed penalty notice of £100 if someone fails to comply with a request to cease consumption of intoxicating substances in a designated area.
At the time, Cllr Jacob Williams said on “civil liberties grounds” he was shocked to see what was being proposed.
“I think this is way over the top and not a proportionate response,” he said.
The PSPO area includes the Withybush retail area, the river alongside Morrisons, Barn Street, Horsefair roundabout, Rifleman Field, skatepark, Fortunes Frolic and out to the train station.
After a lengthy debate the introduction of a PSPO was approved 30 votes for and 21 against, with four abstentions.
The December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council will receive a submitted question by Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy on the subject.
“At full council on July 14, 2022 a decision was made to implement a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) within certain areas of Haverfordwest.
“A Partnership Panel held on May 23, 2024, received confirmation that since this PSPO was implemented there have been no prosecutions or fixed penalties issued. There was a cost implication in implementing this PSPO for PCC, money that we can ill afford to spend when ample legislation exists for dealing with antisocial behaviour.
“Therefore, can it be agreed that in future such applications are given greater scrutiny to avoid further waste of taxpayers’ money and what actually reduces antisocial behaviour is increased pro-active policing not more legislation?”
Cllr Murphy’s question will be heard at the December 12 meeting.
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