News

Smart Towns Initiative for Fishguard and Goodwick makes progress

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

AN ONLINE meeting was held on Monday evening (Dec 2) to discuss the next steps in the Smart Towns initiative for Fishguard and Goodwick. The initiative aims to introduce cutting-edge technology to enhance business intelligence, tourism management, and environmental monitoring across the twin towns.

The meeting, hosted by Greenwood of Owen Davies Consulting, included representatives from North Pembrokeshire Trade and Tourism (NPTT), the Town Council, and Pembrokeshire County Council. Despite a lower-than-expected turnout, discussions highlighted the transformative potential of smart technology in the area.

Greenwood expressed confidence in the initiative, stating: “We already have much of the necessary infrastructure in place. This project will provide valuable insights into the twin town environment, driving prosperity and vitality for residents for years to come.”

Benefits of smart technology

The Smart Towns initiative promises to deliver a host of advantages, including:

Boosting Tourism: Real-time information and improved connectivity to enhance visitor experiences.
Supporting Businesses: Tools to analyse customer trends and optimise operations.
Environmental Monitoring: Sensors to track air and water quality, as well as ecosystems.
Improved Transport: Insights into car park availability, bus schedules, and waiting times.

Mark Rummery of Ivybridge Guesthouse emphasized the initiative’s wide-ranging applications, noting: “The analytics offered by this system are impressive. From monitoring car park usage to tracking public transport trends, this technology can address a variety of local needs.”

Challenges and opportunities

Attendees identified several challenges, including securing local buy-in and funding. Fishguard currently lacks dedicated personnel to oversee the project, a gap that could be addressed by hiring IT staff or creating a role within the Town Council.

Pembrokeshire County Council representatives stressed the need to focus on tangible benefits, such as revitalizing the town centre, to secure financial support. Rummery suggested that potential revenue streams from data analytics could make the project self-financing.

Next steps

The initiative remains in its exploratory phase. Stakeholders are encouraged to get involved to maximize the project’s potential. A formal presentation of the meeting’s discussions will be shared with decision-makers in the coming weeks.

“This initiative should be a cornerstone of our strategic plan for 2025/26,” Rummery added. “It’s vital that we engage all sectors of our community—high street traders, educators, transport operators, and more—to bring this vision to life.”

For further information or to view the presentation slides, contact Jeremy Martineau, Hon Secretary of North Pembrokeshire Trade and Tourism, via visitfishguard.co.uk.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.