News

Loan agreed for harbour regeneration

Published

10 years ago

February 23, 2015

THE COUNCIL’s Cabinet has agreed to loan a further £1.25million to the Saundersfoot Harbour Commission to help with the regeneration of the Harbour.

As part of the recommendation the Council will also enter into negotiations with the Harbour Commissioners to discuss the disposal of a former coal office which is partly owned by the Council.

Council Leader Jamie Adams described it as an ‘exciting scheme’ while Cllr Keith Lewis said that not being involved with the project would not put the authority in a ‘good light’.

Cllr Keith Lewis said: “This went before Cabinet in September 2013 where we approved a loan of £1.25 million. The Welsh Government has now acknowledged the importance of Saundersfoot as a marine centre and also within the context of Pembrokeshire College who have also acknowledged the application of courses at the site in terms of marine studies.

“The whole idea has moved on, originally the request was for money for the purchase of the Jones & Teague building, that money has now been secured through the Welsh Government.

“This means that that will become phase one of the project and associated with the funding already in place is phase two which is a visitor platform around the sluice area so that that offer is already in place in terms of finance. The authority’s involvement now has been moved to a third phase which is centred around a building that we already own which is the former coal office, now known as the barbeque building. That is partly in our ownership and forms a part of this particular request in that the total cost of development associated with the land around the car park and barbeque building is £1.65 million.

“The Saundersfoot Harbour Commission has already funded £400,000 and this is why we have this before us today in that there completion on the purchase of the building which isn’t ours really depends on us continuing to support with this loan.

“Cabinet needs to be aware that in this £1.25 million it does reflect what is owed to the authority in terms of the change of ownership in the Barbeque building so they may come back to us in the future with an extension of this loan agreement to cover the purchase cost.

“The one thing that I need to stress, as this is a significant amount of money, is that relevant checks have been carried out and the model in place in terms of the business plan, we are happy that they would support this loan with repayment over fifteen years. As part of the security of this loan we would require a bond on the property until the buildings are complete.

“Having said that, the secondary loan to cover the purchase of the authority’s property will have to be assessed separately. In terms of what is before us today, I think this is a wonderful, wonderful opportunity to show our commitment to the tourist industry of Pembrokeshire and to not be a part of such a development would not put the authority in good light”.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said: “It’s an exciting scheme and I think we recognise there is an opportunity of investment a significant opportunity of some great usage for the tourist industry”.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

20 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

20 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.