Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Inflation and election hit Pembroke regeneration plan

Published

on

A PLAN to regenerate Pembroke town centre must be cut following delays caused by the General Election and an almost one-third increase in the cost of construction.

The Council’s Cabinet will consider an update on the Westgate to Eastgate scheme on Monday, January 13.

The County Council originally applied for around £11.5m from the Levelling Up Fund in June 2022. Although that bid was unsuccessful, the Council was invited to reapply in a further funding round and succeeded. The £11.5m cost of the project is 90% funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Council is due to contribute 10% of that figure.

However, even though the Council succeeded in resubmitting its application early in 2024, the General Election in July stalled further progress. At the end of November last year, the Labour Government in Westminster issued a final memorandum committing to the expenditure.

In the two years since the original application, inflation has increased the project’s construction costs by 30%, underlining – again – that the consumer price index is a nonsensical measure for determining public authorities’ costs.

The Council contends that interventions at Pembroke would help stimulate the town’s economy. The town is experiencing increasing market failure due to increased vacancies in the retail centre, a poor mix of uses and significant leakage to other centres. The regeneration scheme would strengthen the visitor market and capitalise on the current visitor economy for Pembroke Castle, which bypasses the town centre.

Pembroke has the smallest number of commercial units (81) of Pembrokeshire’s six main towns and a high proportion of vacant units (17.3%).

The Cabinet report says: “The private sector will not provide the improvements to wayfinding and public realm improvements that are required to change the nature of the visitor experience. The lack of private sector development resulting from low values and low demand means that the potential of any private sector contributions is limited.”

In the absence of private sector interest, the Council believes public funding is the only tool it has to regenerate Pembroke’s ailing town centre and support new enterprises.

The project has three work schemes. Its primary focus is improving connections between the Commons Road, where most visitors park, and the town centre. The alleys and cut-throughs will be improved, and visitors will be signposted towards Pembroke’s Main Street and Mill Pond.

To increase visitors’ time spent in the town centre, the Council will improve its public spaces and green spaces and fund the renewal of St Mary’s Bells, a noted feature of Pembroke town.

At the town’s East End, the former school building will be stripped back to a shell state and partially refitted in readiness for future use, while steps will be taken to improve vehicular access along Well Hill.

Community

Police assist as loose horses cause concern near Pembroke Leisure Centre

Published

on

A GROUP of loose horses caused alarm near Pembroke Leisure Centre on Sunday (March 30), prompting a police response and reigniting concerns over the ongoing issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene to ensure public safety and attempt to secure the animals, which had been spotted wandering in the area.

This latest incident comes amid growing frustrations over repeated occurrences of horses roaming freely on roads and public land, or on private land without the landowner’s permission.

The problem of fly-grazing—where horses are left to graze on land without consent—has become a serious issue across the county, with multiple cases reported in recent months including at St Daniels Hill in Pembroke. In that case, horses were eventually removed following a long struggle by landowner Paul Hay, who said the situation had caused significant distress and called for new legislation to protect the public.

Last month, one local resident reported her father suffered head injuries and wrote off his car after hitting a loose horse on the A477 in the dark. Despite the severity of the incident, no further police action was taken, fuelling anger among residents.

Fly grazing has become a huge problem in recent years, with a large increase in incidents in the last few months (Image: File)

County Councillor Jonathan Grimes has been liaising with local authorities and police in a bid to address the issue, while members of the public have also come forward to share experiences of property damage and road closures.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for a statement about the latest incident.

Anyone with concerns about loose horses which may cause a danger to traffic or pedestrians can call the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

Continue Reading

Community

Funeral arrangements confirmed for popular local entertainer, Matt Baker

Published

on

THE FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for Matt Baker, affectionately known as ‘Mr Good Times’ of Haverfordwest.

Matt passed away on March 15 aged 49. He was the much-loved son of Phyllis and stepson to Aad, and son to the late Paul. He was a devoted brother to Reuben, his wife Cath, and Simeon, and a beloved uncle to Aston, Dylan and Axel.

Matt was well known in the local community for his cheerful nature, positive outlook and ability to bring people together. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 11:00am at Pembrokeshire College Theatre. This will be followed by interment at Freystrop Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Matt, in aid of mental health causes, can be made via a donation box at the wake following the interment.

All enquiries should be directed to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors on (01437) 763821.

Continue Reading

Charity

Emergency services unite for charity at Pembroke Dock Fire Station

Published

on

A CHARITY car wash at Pembroke Dock Fire Station drew crowds on Saturday (Mar 29), raising money in support of The Firefighters Charity.

The event, organised by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, ran from 10:00am to 4:00pm and saw a steady stream of local residents turning out to support the cause. Visitors were able to get their vehicles washed by firefighters, with all proceeds going towards helping fire service personnel and their families.

Among those showing support were local police officers, with PCSOs 8020 and 8112 from Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police making an appearance. The officers not only lent their encouragement to their emergency service colleagues but also had their police vehicle given a good hosing down.

“It was very busy with lots of local people supporting such a good cause,” a police spokesperson said. “Well done to Phil and the team, and a special thank you for hosing down our police vehicle whilst we were there.”

The event highlighted the strong sense of camaraderie between emergency services in the area and the ongoing support from the community for their efforts.

For more information on future events and ways to support The Firefighters Charity, visit tancgc.gov.uk or mawwfire.gov.uk.

Continue Reading

Community20 hours ago

Tenby comes alive with eccentricity as Steampunk Festival returns in style

TENBY was transformed into a spectacle of steam-powered imagination and Victorian flair over the weekend, as the much-anticipated Tenby Steampunk...

Crime2 days ago

Man jailed for historic child sex offences in Milford Haven

A MILFORD HAVEN man who raped a young girl and abused two children in the 1980s has been jailed for...

News2 days ago

Crisis deepens at Parc Prison as six officers arrested

Six officers at HMP Parc have been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as police continue to investigate...

News3 days ago

Park issues clarification on campsite restrictions following backlash

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY has published a detailed clarification on its proposed Article 4(1) Direction, as concerns mount...

Health3 days ago

Welsh Government pledges to boost NHS and schools following Spring Statement

First Minister says UK Government funding will help Wales tackle waiting times and support communities THE FIRST MINISTER has welcomed...

News4 days ago

Workman injured in Pembroke road roller incident

A WORKMAN has been injured following an incident involving a road roller in Pembroke on Wednesday morning (March 26). Emergency...

News4 days ago

Spring statement slammed as disability cuts spark fear in Wales

Trussell Trust warns of rising hunger as 3.2 million face benefit losses DISABLED people across Wales are facing what campaigners...

Community5 days ago

Cleddau Bridge marks 50 years as vital Pembrokeshire link

Iconic crossing unites north and south of county THIS WEEK (Mar 25) marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of...

Community7 days ago

Three Tamar lifeboats stage dramatic rescue drill off Milford Haven

ANYONE watching the entrance to the Milford Haven Waterway on Saturday morning (March 22) might have thought a serious maritime...

News1 week ago

Firefighters to rally against shift changes in Mid and West Wales

FIREFIGHTERS from across Mid and West Wales will stage a rally in Carmarthen next week, protesting against proposed changes to...

Popular This Week