News

Green light for new county library

Published

10 years ago

May 7, 2015

Tom Sinclair

CABINET members have approved proposals to develop a new County Library at the Riverside Market in Haverfordwest.

Riverside regeneration: New location of library

Members also recommended that the Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee should also look at the proposals.

The matter came before Cabinet in January but it was resolved that further work was needed on the Riverside Market option. It was also revealed that Natural Resources Wales does not object to the change of use of the market to a library.

Cllr Elwyn Morse said that the proposal should be considered as part of the emerging masterplan for Haverfordwest.

He added: “The library relocation offers a wonderful opportunity for Pembrokeshire County Council to play its part and to lead the way in the regeneration of the town centre. The county library and information centre facilities are a key part of the wider regeneration for the county town which will bring significant, enhanced footfall to the town centre. The old site in Dew Street attracted 143,000 visitors a year and we anticipate if the plan emerges there will be a significant increase on that. Occupation of the Market building by the county library will necessitate the relocation of the market traders to alternative suitable premises. The council is working with the individual traders. Council recognises there will be a cost implication involved in relocating groups of traders and will provide financial support during this period, particularly in the first two years following any move. If the relocation is successful the old building will become surplus to requirements. Good progress has made in addressing the issues relating to the Cabinet resolution in January and with a commitment to relocating and supporting existing traders for an extended period, the project aims to deliver a triple bottom line; those being: A first class library, a gallery and a visitor centre which will generate increased visitor numbers, a keystone regeneration project that will be the catalyst for a range of complimentary projects to support the Haverfordwest Masterplan.”

The Director of Development Stephen Jones added: “We considered eleven different options and the outcome of the analysis was that the market building provided the best option in terms of providing a full range of service for a new library and information centre with the added benefit of a catalyst that the regeneration would bring. We’re not in business of putting businesses out of business. We are absolutely committed to making sure the traders are supported all the way through this process and I’m firmly of the view that we can facilitate that.”

Head of Cultural Services, Mike Cavanagh said: “Performance hasn’t been discussed as much. Overview and Scrutiny received a paper recently which showed that the library service, in terms of national performance, indicating the number of visits, had dropped into the bottom quartile. This is a major opportunity to change that, we needed a facility in the right place. This is the right facility and it will generate a large footfall. I am very confident, because of the offer, that there will be a large increase in footfall.”

Council Leader Jamie Adams indicated that the Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee should also look at this and Cllr Mike John, sitting at the back of the room and chair of that committee, said they would be happy to look at the proposals.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

22 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.