PLANS for a series of decorative mosaics as part of a community art project at Pembrokeshire’s only city hall have been approved.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St Davids City Council sought permission for three decorative mosaic community art project panels on St Davids City Hall, High Street, two to the front and one to the rear of the building.

An officer report recommending approval said: “No adverse comments have been received from consultees, and no third-party representations have been received. It is not deemed that the mosaic panels would have an adverse impact upon the character or appearance of the St Davids Conservation Area, nor the street scene in general.”

It goes on to say: “City Hall is located within St Davids Conservation Area – The City, as defined within the Authority’s SPG. This area is mainly late Victorian, with a number of properties dating from the early nineteenth century. This was effectively a second phase of rebuilding in the city.

“The main element of the city is the informality of the built form, reflected in varied boundary treatments and the tendency towards pairs and short groups as opposed to long terraces. The Buildings Conservation Officer has been consulted and notes that the proposal has a negligible impact upon character and appearance of the conservation area.”

It added: “Neither is it deemed that harm would be caused to the special qualities of this part of the National Park. The artworks would contribute to the vibrancy of the city centre and would not appear visually intrusive. Overall, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable, and a recommendation to grant permission – subject to suitably worded conditions – is made.”

It adds: “Whilst City Hall itself is not listed, the cottage (No 18 High Street) is Grade-II-listed. Whilst the Buildings Conservation Officer refers only to the impact upon the conservation area, he has verbally confirmed that the proposed mosaics would not have an adverse impact upon the setting of this listed building.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Memorial hall opened to help those affected after blaze in Station Road area

A FAMILY escaped without injury after a major house fire in the Station Road area of Letterston, according to local residents.

The blaze prompted a major emergency response on Wednesday (Apr 15), with fire engines seen at the scene and the road closed while crews tackled the incident.

People posting in the Letterston community group said the family was safe, although one kitten was sadly lost in the fire.

One resident wrote: “They lost a kitten, but the family were ok. Nothing worse than a fire. There were 4 fire engines here at one time.”

Others described hearing multiple sirens and seeing smoke rising from the area, with one local woman saying her partner could see the fire engines from nearby fields.

As news of the fire spread, the local community quickly rallied round. The memorial hall was opened for anyone affected, while residents offered practical help and support to the family.

Messages posted online described the loss of the home as heartbreaking, with one resident writing that while the house had gone, the family were “alive and well to make more new memories”.

The Herald has approached the emergency services for official confirmation on the cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage.

Residents urged to stay alert as officers carry out patrols and work to establish whether the callers are legitimate

MILFORD HAVEN and Neyland Police said they are aware of concerns raised by residents following reports of door-to-door salespeople operating in the Milford Haven and Johnston area.

Local officers, together with neighbourhood policing and prevention teams, are working to establish the legitimacy of those involved and will be carrying out patrols while enquiries continue.

In the meantime, members of the public are being advised to familiarise themselves with crime prevention advice relating to unwanted visitors, which is available on the force’s website.

Anyone with information that could assist enquiries is asked to get in touch online, by email at [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting its website.