Community

Crash sparks fresh questions over future of former Haverfordwest library

Published

3 months ago

March 8, 2026

CONCERNS have been raised about the future of a distinctive Haverfordwest building after a car crashed into it last week, leaving part of the frontage badly damaged.

Two people were taken to hospital after a vehicle collided with the former County Library building in Dew Street during the early hours of Sunday (Mar 1).

The impact caused significant damage to the front of the building. Campaigners who want the structure protected are now calling for urgent repairs and greater transparency about what will happen to the site.

Dyfed-Powys Police have been asked to comment on the condition of those involved in the collision.

The crash is believed to have followed a medical emergency.

The former library is widely regarded as an important example of post-war public architecture in Pembrokeshire. Built in the 1960s and designed by architect Gilbert Ray, the building is often described as a notable piece of modernist – sometimes labelled brutalist – design.

Its distinctive appearance includes bold concrete forms and a striking sculpture representing an open book, created by artist David Tinker.

The library closed to the public on Saturday (Oct 13, 2018).

In April 2022 the building and around 3.3 acres of surrounding land were purchased from Pembrokeshire County Council by housing association ateb for £250,000.

The organisation intended to relocate its headquarters from St Thomas Green to the Dew Street site. Plans also included commercial office space within the building and a street-level café.

A second phase of the development proposed housing on the former car park area behind the building, previously used by the library and community education centre.

However, a local campaign group known as Save the Library Action Group (SLAG) is seeking to have the building formally listed because of its architectural and historical importance.

Members of the group say the recent damage highlights the need for urgent protection and repairs.

Retired architect Mike Daffern said the group hoped the damaged section would be rebuilt rather than simply secured.

He added that residents would welcome a clear timetable from ateb for delivering the refurbishment plans approved in 2023, which would see the building converted into the organisation’s headquarters.

Mr Daffern said that if the project was no longer going ahead, the community should be involved in considering alternative uses for the building that could help revitalise that part of Haverfordwest’s conservation area.

The campaign group has also contacted Cadw about listing the building and plans to provide photographs and a report detailing the recent damage.

They argue the building could potentially be reused for community education, arts, or other cultural activities.

A spokesperson for ateb confirmed the organisation was aware of the damage caused by the collision.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure the building is safe and secure,” the spokesperson said. “The damage will be addressed to maintain appropriate safety measures.”

The spokesperson added that the former library site remained a complex redevelopment project and that ateb was continuing to work with Pembrokeshire County Council to explore possible options for the site’s future, including funding and potential redesign of the building.

“We recognise the strong interest in the building from members of the community and local groups,” the spokesperson said.

Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club crowned Welsh champions

Published

2 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Herald Sport

PEMBROKESHIRE Chess Club is celebrating a fantastic weekend after being crowned champions of the Welsh Chess Union Premier League Under-1850.

The club played its final match of the season today, beating Abergavenny to win the league outright.

Earlier in the season, Pembrokeshire recorded wins against Castell Nedd, North Cardiff and Morriston, as well as drawing with Cardiff Tigers.

Although the club previously won the competition online during the Covid period, this is its first over-the-board league title.

A club spokesperson said it was “great to represent the county against teams from across Wales” and congratulated all the players who registered for the competition.

Those involved were Ben Brewer, Martin Jones, Scott Hammett, Mark Paffard, Henry Burton, Huw Jones and Kevin Heady.

Following its recent AGM, the club has now decided to enter two teams in next year’s competition, giving more members, especially junior players, the chance to take part.

It was also a successful weekend for two of the club’s juniors, Jozef Othen and Harry Harling, who played with distinction in an invitation Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire match against Carmarthenshire on Saturday afternoon.

Jozef also competed in an online Megafinals event on Saturday morning, progressing to the Gigafinals.

The club will hold its first ever Junior Rapid Tournament on January 24, with more details to follow.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club also praised FIDE Master Alexis Harakis, who has been coaching and supporting juniors and senior members of the recently formed Fishguard Chess Club.

The club said his involvement would help raise standards and benefit chess across the county.

Pictured are today’s winning team: Ben, Martin, Scott and Mark.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club are the 2026 champions of the Welsh Chess Union Premier League Under-1850.

Community

Christians gather at Pembroke Castle for day of prayer and praise

Published

7 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HUNDREDS of worshippers gathered at Pembroke Castle today for a major Christian event bringing churches together from across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

The Picnic, Prayer and Praise event took place on Sunday (Jun 14), with people invited to bring chairs, blankets and picnics for an afternoon of worship inside one of Wales’ most historic castles.

***Faith at the castle:*** **The mayor of Pembroke, Cllr Jonathan Grimes** **and Town Crier, Cllr Gareth Jones, attended the event**

The event was led by Sound of Wales, alongside local churches, and also included Korean Christians from London who took part in their own distinctive style.

The programme began at 1:00pm, with free entry for worshippers between 12 noon and 5:00pm.

***Visitors: Mayor of Pembroke, Cllr Jonathan Grimes, and Pembroke Town Crier, Cllr Gareth Jones, with members of the SCON Korean Christian youth group***

Organisers said the aim was to unite Christians in prayer for Pembrokeshire and Wales, while celebrating faith through music, worship and fellowship.

Castle Trustee Roger Baker previously described the gathering as “an extraordinary opportunity to unite Christians in one of the great castles of Wales.”

***Faith at the castle: Worshippers gathered at Pembroke Castle for the Picnic, Prayer and Praise event on Sunday (Pic: Herald).***

He said: “What a way to give Pembrokeshire a united voice of praise to our God and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The event has become a growing fixture in the Pembrokeshire Christian calendar, with previous gatherings attracting large crowds despite challenging weather.

Today’s event made full use of the castle’s dramatic setting, with worshippers gathering within the ancient walls for an afternoon of praise, reflection and community.

***Faith at the castle: Excellent weather for Prayer and Praise event on Sunday (Pic: Herald).***

Community

Milford Haven School pupil praised after stepping in during real-life emergency

Published

7 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YEAR 11 pupil at Milford Haven School has been praised after putting his first aid training into action to help an injured member of the public following an accident.

Aryan, who is currently working towards lifesaving qualifications, including first aid training, found himself faced with a real emergency when a woman suffered a head injury after a fall.

Rather than panic, the teenager stepped in immediately and calmly took control of the situation.

According to Milford Haven School, Aryan used a first aid kit to treat the injury, helped make the woman comfortable, and provided clear aftercare advice while remaining calm and compassionate throughout the incident.

School staff said his actions demonstrated maturity, confidence and professionalism beyond his years.

Applying first aid in a genuine emergency can be far more challenging than practising in a classroom setting, but Aryan rose to the occasion and put his training into practice when it mattered most.

Milford Haven School said it was “incredibly proud” of the Year 11 pupil, describing him as “a fantastic example of courage, responsibility and care for others.”

The school added that Aryan’s response showed the importance of young people learning practical lifesaving skills and highlighted the positive impact they can have within the community.

Da iawn, Aryan — a credit to Milford Haven School and the wider community.

Photo caption: Helping hand: Year 11 pupil Aryan has been praised after using his first aid training to help an injured member of the public following a fall (Pic: Milford Haven School).