News

Haverfordwest’s ‘Instagrammable’ footbridge faces further frustration and delay

Published

10 months ago

February 22, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has confirmed that the construction of Haverfordwest’s controversial ‘Instagrammable’ footbridge has been delayed once again, with its completion now pushed back to at least September 2025. The project, originally designed to improve pedestrian access and enhance the town’s visual appeal, has been met with growing scrutiny over rising costs and the justification for its design.

Delays and cost increases

The footbridge is a key part of the Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange (HPTI) scheme, a wider regeneration project aimed at improving connectivity and accessibility in the town. The project was originally budgeted at £5.7 million, but concerns have been raised over whether additional delays could push costs even higher.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council outlined the reasons for the latest setbacks, stating:

“There has been a delay in fabrication modelling due to the time required to clarify and resolve technical queries related to the complex design and methodology for fabrication and installation. Additionally, there has been a delay in crane availability, which has further impacted the timeline.”

Criticism over the project’s priorities

The bridge has been a point of controversy since its announcement, particularly regarding its design focus. Councillor Rhys Jordan, who was among the first to publicly criticize the project before leaving office in October 2023, raised concerns about the emphasis on making the bridge visually appealing for social media rather than prioritizing functionality. Cllr Jordan said:

“The focus on an ‘Instagrammable’ design raises serious questions about whether this is the best use of public funds. While aesthetics are important, the people of Haverfordwest need practical infrastructure that meets their daily needs.”

His comments ignited wider debate about the project’s priorities, with some residents and local business owners questioning whether resources could have been better allocated to other infrastructure improvements.

Political and public reactions

The Welsh Conservative group, led by Councillor Di Clements, has also expressed concerns over the project’s financial management and delays. While acknowledging the need for regeneration in Haverfordwest, the group has called for greater transparency regarding the rising costs and timeline extensions.

“Residents deserve clear answers on why this project continues to face setbacks and whether further delays will result in additional costs. We need assurances that this investment will truly benefit the town and not become an expensive vanity project,” a spokesperson for the group stated.

Impact on local businesses

Local business owners have voiced frustration over the ongoing delays, with some reporting a decline in foot traffic due to construction disruptions. The bridge, once completed, is expected to improve access to key areas of the town, but the prolonged construction phase has left many questioning when they will see the benefits.

Commuters have also expressed concerns about accessibility, with some calling for alternative pedestrian routes to be improved while construction continues.

What happens next?

Despite the delays, Pembrokeshire County Council maintains that the bridge will ultimately be a valuable addition to the town’s infrastructure. However, with completion now expected in late 2025 and lingering concerns over costs, the project remains under intense public and political scrutiny.

Residents and stakeholders are now waiting to see whether the council can meet its revised timeline—or if further setbacks will once again push the bridge’s completion even further into the future.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.