News

Plans for Milford Docks approved

Published

10 years ago

March 17, 2015

MEMBERS of the Planning and Rights of Way committee meeting have given outline planning consent for the Milford Docks Master Plan, in a move which could pave the way for hundreds of new jobs for the town.

The application before Tuesday’s (Feb 24) Committee meeting surrounded the potential uses as part of the developments including commercial, retail and fishing uses.

The plans also included a new proposal to rebuild the old docks office in full and move it to a new location to account for the new access into the site.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the plans which are subject to a number of planning conditions.

These include a further three applications which have been delegated to the director of development. These are for the extension of the existing Dock Wall and erection of a Marina Services Building, demolition of the former Docks office and the demolition of the Burnyeates building.

Speaking on the one change to the application, agent Rob Peters said: “The new safe access into the site will be accompanied by a full rebuild of the listed building in response to consideration by the committee in December. It will be rebuilt in whole in close proximity to the existing listed buildings to create a group value that exists already. The development will create 600 new jobs across its lifetime. It will provide new retail apartments which will provide a modernised offer within Milford and bring significant economic benefits to both parts of the town centre. It will provide 16 affordable houses which will benefit local people. It will improve pedestrian, cycling and public transport links as well as vehicle movements into the site. Investment will also be made in the fishing industry, creating 56 new jobs. There will also be new public areas, gardens, seated places, local areas for playing. The Torch Theatre has objected on the basis of a cinema being included but as the officer confirmed, what’s being applied for is a class D2 leisure use which can accommodate a range of uses and not a cinema necessarily. The regeneration benefits are substantial. It represents a multi-million pound investment for Milford. It will enhance the town and it will create a destination for local people and tourists and this will be good for the Torch Theatre as well as for Milford.”

Objecting to the plans, Alison Hardy said: “I can’t understand how one of our historic buildings is going to face demolition, even if it is being rebuilt in a new place. The office is part of my heritage; it is an integral part of the heritage of the town. It’s a much loved grade two listed building that should not be demolished. There was also a majority vote against the demolition at Milford Haven Town Council last night. If a grade two listed building is demolished and rebuilt it will not then be the old Docks company office. The history will be gone from the landscape and confined to the memories of the older people of the town.”

Cllr Brian Hall moved the recommendation for approval and added: “This is the most important planning application in relation to Milford Dock. It is essential to the town of Milford in a time of recession. The Port Authority is one of the major sponsors for the Torch Theatre so the last thing they want to do is cause them a problem. This will bring an additional spend of £45m to the town. This is a £90m development which is absolutely fantastic.”

Cllr Peter Stock added: “Recession is one of the reasons put forward for the demise of our town centres. It is vital for the redevelopment of our towns and each town must play to its strengths. In Milford that is the docks area and the waterways, this is so important. It is a tremendous amount of money that is there to be spent in this county.”

Cllr Gwilym Price said: “It is a fantastic sum of money; this is so good for the area. One of my concerns is with the Torch Theatre and I believe more consultation could resolve this matter and I would hope that they can come to an agreement.”

Cllr Jacob Williams said: “It is a shame that the docks office is going to be moved. It is an optimistic project but there aren’t really any objections to it. I do share the concerns of the Torch Theatre but we are here today to discuss the use as part of the development.”

Speaking after the meeting, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, Alec Don, said that it was a significant milestone in a long-term strategy: “Our investment in Milford Dock, and indeed Pembroke Port, is part of a wider Port strategy that seeks to diversify the business by strengthening trade in areas not connected to oil and gas. We want to maximise the contribution these two assets make to the business and to the local economy. “

Alec concluded, “This is a massive new opportunity for the town and we look forward to working with others to make this vision a reality.”

Jeff Teague, Estates Director for the Port of Milford Haven has been leading the master planning process and was delighted with the decision. He said: “Now that Outline Planning has been approved we can move forward with marketing this exciting development opportunity. We are already talking to a number of development agents who are interested in working with us. They will carry out extensive market testing and it is at this stage that detailed plans will begin to define and shape the specific parts of the development. In the meantime, work is progressing in other key areas of the destination. New buildings are emerging that will house modern, food grade units for the local fishing industry and create new opportunities for them to expand and diversify. On the marina side, the new £6m lock gates are in commissioning and final testing phase, soon to be launched in readiness for this year’s boating season. We won’t stand still. This investment is much needed in Milford Haven and we are committed to making it a success.”

Milford Haven’s Mayor, Cllr Eric Harries, told the Herald: “I am very conscious of the importance of this development within our town of Milford Haven. As a native I recognise the importance of retaining our heritage. I also am aware that considerable negotiations have taken place in order to facilitate opinions in relation to the former Docks Office and its relocation. It is to be hoped now that the scheme comes to fruition as quickly as possible and benefits the people and the economy of the area and provides much needed extra employment.”

Peter Doran, Artistic Director at The Torch, also gave his views to the Herald saying: “The Torch Theatre is 100% behind the regeneration of Milford Haven and therefore welcome the Masterplan approval. We look forward to working with the Port of Milford Haven on the cultural aspects of the plan which we are sure will be mutually beneficial to both parties as well as to the town and surrounding areas.”

Community

Landfill odour sparks calls for inquiry and legal action

Published

5 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS near Withyhedge landfill in Haverfordwest are demanding a public inquiry and considering legal action after foul odours returned just weeks after the site reopened on 6 January.

The landfill, closed last May to address odour issues, was declared fit to reopen by operator RML, which claimed its improvements would protect nearby communities. However, Colin Barnett, of campaign group Stop the Stink, said: “People in Crundale, Haverfordwest, and Spittal are being subjected to horrendous smells again.”

Describing the site as a “stink bomb on steroids,” Barnett supported Conservative MS Paul Davies’ calls for a public inquiry. “We’ve been flanneled by NRW, public health, and Pembrokeshire council. It’s disgraceful,” he said, adding that delays in resolving the issue had left litigation as the only option.

RML, part of Dauson Environmental Group, is owned by businessman David Neal, who has previous convictions for environmental crimes in 2013 and 2017. Last year, another of Neal’s companies pleaded guilty to environmental offences.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) reported receiving 34 complaints since 6 January, with a rise in recent days coinciding with the end of a slurry-spreading ban. However, NRW stated no odours attributable to the landfill were detected and plans to inspect the site with Pembrokeshire council on 29 January.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I’ll keep a very close eye on this, and if concerns persist, we’ll discuss further steps with NRW.”

RML and the Welsh Government declined to comment.

Crime

Killer Axel Rudakubana removed from court after outburst during sentencing

Published

13 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AXEL RUDAKUBANA, 18, of Cardiff, was removed from the dock at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday (Jan 23) after launching a shocking outburst during his sentencing for the premeditated murders of three young girls. The court heard harrowing details of his attack, which took place during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at The Hart Space in Southport on July 29, 2024. The victims, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed in the horrific incident.

***Face of evil: Rudakubana’s police custody photo (Image: Police)***

Rudakubana, dressed in a grey tracksuit and surgical mask, entered the courtroom at 11:45am and immediately placed his head between his knees. He refused to confirm his name when asked. Minutes into the proceedings, he began shouting and was ordered to leave. His outbursts included claims of illness, stating: “I am not fit, I am ill. I need a paramedic.”

Despite his protests, Mr Justice Goose confirmed that paramedics had assessed the defendant and found him fit for sentencing. Defence barrister Stanley Reiz KC informed the court that Rudakubana had not eaten for days and complained of chest pains, but the judge proceeded after Rudakubana’s removal.

The Attack: Premeditation and violence

The court heard the murders were part of a calculated plan by Rudakubana, who had purchased a kitchen knife with a 20cm blade on July 13, 2024, using a VPN to hide his identity. On the day of the attack, he travelled by taxi to the event, armed with the knife. Dashcam footage revealed him asking for directions to The Hart Space before leaving the taxi without paying.

Upon entering the dance studio, where 26 children and two adults were present, he immediately began his rampage, targeting children as they tried to flee. Prosecution barrister Deanna Heer KC detailed the chilling moments, saying, “Screams were heard within 30 seconds of his entry. Many of the wounds inflicted were to the victims’ backs as they attempted to escape.”

Ms Heer described the stabbings as “sadistic in nature,” with several injuries indicating the use of severe force. Rudakubana killed three children and injured 13 others, including instructor Leanne Lucas, 35, and businessman Jonathan Hayes, 63.

Victims and families

***Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed in the horrific incident.***

The parents of the three young girls were present in court but requested that details of their children’s injuries not be reported. In a statement released by Merseyside Police, the families of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie asked for respect and privacy.

Instructor Leanne Lucas sustained life-threatening injuries, including multiple stab wounds to her neck and back. She underwent emergency surgery after suffering significant blood loss. Jonathan Hayes was stabbed in the leg and required surgical repair.

Disturbing evidence uncovered

Searches of Rudakubana’s home in Banks, Lancashire, revealed disturbing materials. Officers found documents on genocide, weapons, and terror manuals, including The Al-Qaeda Training Manual, which he had downloaded multiple times since 2021. The manual included instructions on knife attacks and ricin production.

In his bedroom, police discovered castor beans and equipment used to produce ricin, a deadly toxin. Though evidence suggested the toxin was never used, forensic analysis confirmed that he had created a crude preparation capable of lethal doses.

Other items recovered included a machete, arrows, and a black holdall. In the weeks leading up to the attack, Rudakubana had also researched violent content and purchased weapons online, taking steps to disguise his activities.

A window Into a disturbed mind

Ms Heer told the court, “The material found on his devices provides a window into the defendant’s mind. It shows a fascination with extreme violence and killings.” Evidence included cached images from websites, videos of violent acts, and searches for content related to mass stabbings.

While in custody, Rudakubana made chilling comments, saying: “I’m glad those kids are dead. It’s a good thing they are dead.”

Courtroom outbursts

Throughout the proceedings, Rudakubana disrupted the court with repeated outbursts. After being removed once, he was allowed to return but again shouted for medical attention, leading to his second removal. The judge reassured the public gallery that paramedics had deemed him fit to attend.

Conclusion

The sentencing hearing continues as families, survivors, and the public await the final judgment. The case has shocked the nation, with many struggling to comprehend the calculated nature of the attack and the scale of the tragedy.

Pictured above: Axel Rudakubana being transported to Liverpool Crown Court (Pic: Liverpool Echo)

Community

Public transport users urged to ‘check before travelling’ due to storm

Published

40 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT FOR WALES and Network Rail are urging all customers to check before they travel on Friday morning and into the weekend with weather warnings in place across the country.

With Storm Eowyn set to hit Wales and winds reaching 90mph on Friday morning, customers should expect disruptions and are strongly urged to check before they travel.

There will be alterations to rail services, replacement road transport on certain routes and blanket speed restrictions at some locations, meaning journeys could take longer than usual.

Stand by buses are being planned at key locations around the network in preparation for travel disruption.

Across Wales and the Borders, Network Rail have positioned response teams to address any storm related problems to keep disruption to a minimum.

TfW Operations Director Sarah Higgins said: “It’s so important for our customers to plan ahead when looking to travel this Friday.

“While we’ve made a number of changes to our services based on detailed forecasts, storms can still be unpredictable.

“We’ve seen the impact storms can have, with damage to trains and infrastructure sometimes taking weeks or months to repair, so our cross-industry approach will hopefully limit that and keep our colleagues and customers safe. We apologise to customers for any disruption to their journeys as a result.”

Network Rail Wales & Borders Operations Director Rachel Heath added: “Our priority is always keeping safe everyone who travels and works on the railway.

“Unfortunately, there will be some delays and cancellations on Friday, as trains will not run on some lines and there will speed restrictions on other parts of the route.

“We are working closely with our train operator colleagues to ensure we can safely reopen affected lines as quickly as possible and urge passengers to check before they travel.”

Rail service changes:

No services to run on the Conwy Valley Line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
No services to run on the Heart of Wales line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
Speed restrictions at various locations around the network, meaning some journeys will take longer than usual. These include:

  50mph speed restrictions imposed from 0200 to 1500 Friday on the North Wales Coast – Bodorgan to Llandudno Junction.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Carmarthen to Kidwelly.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Neath and Swansea.
  50mph restrictions from 0100 – 0800 between Newport and Llanwern.

Customers who have connecting tickets for the following operators who have suspended services due to the adverse weather conditions, we’ll honour tickets dated 24 January on either Thursday 23 January or up to and including Tuesday 28 January.