News

Kilgetty: Plans for 55 new homes approved despite flooding concerns

Published

9 years ago

November 16, 2015

Tom Sinclair

James Park, Kilgetty, the siet for 55 new homes

COUNCILLORS have approved plans to build 55 homes on James Park in Kilgetty despite concerns over surface water run-off.

The application, from Millbay Homes, was discussed by the Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee on Tuesday, November 10.

Graham Evans spoke of the continual problems suffered by the Kingsmoor Sports Association with flooding of their cricket and football pitches.

Mr Evans said the additional homes would only exacerbate the current problems.

Councillors felt that the company could make a good-will gesture by adapting their plans to avert these problems.

Kilgetty Councillor David Pugh said: “This is a long-standing commitment within the LDP and I have no objection to this planning application. This type of development is well needed for this area.

“However, I do have concerns about drainage and surface water run-off on to James Park and the sports field. It is going to be a serious problem and I am not convinced that Welsh Water have a done a survey of the property.

“55 homes into four pipes aren’t going to work. We have got to get this right for the residents that are there now.”

Graham Evans, speaking on behalf of Kingsmoor Sports Association, said: “My clients previously lodged two major objections to this application. Such will exacerbate the current and major ongoing flooding problems to their sports pitch.

“Increased traffic generated by initial development and additional dwellings creates major danger to children using the sports field including both players and supporters.

“During heavy rainfall, both cricket and football pitches become totally waterlogged and unplayable.

“Kilgetty football runs ten teams including seniors, seconds and eight junior teams including girls. There are currently 48 senior players and 84 juniors. Last season, 10% of senior games were cancelled and 32% of junior games with no junior football possible between mid-November to mid- January, all due to flooding.

“Voluminous capital has been expended in recent years to overcome flooding on the cricket pitch. £25,000 was spent two years ago, all to no avail due to the run off of all road and roof water from James Park.

“A water hog was purchased which comprises a massive water suction machine to remove water off wicket and outfield.

“Several weekends each season the Kilgetty pitch is virtually the only ground in the county that is unplayable after rain.

“Granting consent for 55 dwellings upon land elevated above the sports field will result in major additional water discharge onto the pitches.

“My clients, in principle, have no objection to the proposed development; purely seek your council’s assurance that no further unwanted surface water will eventually find its way onto their sports field. Of paramount importance is the safety of young children, players and supporters can similarly be ensured.”

Councillor Brian Hall moved the recommendation for approval and said: “This is on a slope and there is a concern about sewage and surface water.

“There is a problem at the pitch and they have spent quite a lot of money trying to solve the problems.

“I would say to the developers, that if there is another pipe joining it would resolve some of the problems.”

Councillor Ken Rowlands added: “The development is not going to exacerbate the present condition experienced by the sports association but there could be some sort of good will gesture from the company to get this problem resolved.”

Councillor Peter Stock said: “No one is against this development but it must never be done so that it affects the quality of life for the people who already live there.

“We have to be absolutely sure that everything is put in place to safeguard this as much as we possibly can. We have to explore every avenue possible to make sure this is a first class scheme.”

Councillor Tony Brinsden said that the situation has been a ‘disgrace for many years’ and that the additional 55 dwellings would exacerbate the problems.

Councillor Jacob Williams said the committee had a ‘golden opportunity to put things right’ to help improve the situation for the residents.

Cllr Brinsden proposed that no work should commence until a drainage ditch be built along the south of the site to help prevent flooding and that was supported unanimously.

The plans to build the 55 homes were approved unanimously.

Crime

Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident

Published

20 mins ago

November 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his car door during a road confrontation on St Issels Avenue, Haverfordwest, on 22 February 2023.

Swansea Crown Court heard from Prosecutor Harry Dickens that Griffiths, 32, accelerated towards the victim’s vehicle, stopping bumper-to-bumper. Following a brief verbal exchange, the victim turned back to his car, only to hear Griffiths rev his engine, mount the kerb, and strike the driver-side door, pinning the man against his own car. Though the victim felt pain in his thighs, he did not require medical attention, and only minor damage was reported to the car.

Griffiths left the scene without stopping, and a witness alerted the police. The victim later told officers: “There was no need for this incident at all.”

Griffiths initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, later changing his plea to guilty on the day of his trial. His defence lawyer, Emily Bennett, expressed Griffiths’ “deep shame” over the incident, noting he had been redeployed from his job as a bin lorry driver due to the offence.

Judge Paul Thomas KC described Griffiths’ actions as “incredibly stupid” and sentenced him to 10 months, suspended for 18 months. Griffiths must complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days, and pay £1,200 in costs due to the lateness of his plea. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.

Health

Welsh GP committee reject contract offer and hold referendum for members

Published

26 mins ago

November 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BMA Cymru Wales’ GP committee has voted unanimously to reject the Welsh Government’s offer for the 2024/2025 GMS (General Medical services) contract, as it fails to provide a credible and sustainable future for general practice.

GPs in Wales will now vote on whether to accept or reject the contract in a referendum which will open later this month.*

Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA’s Welsh GP committee said:

“The decision to disregard the serious concerns and valuable contribution of general practice once again in Wales is beyond insulting, it is dangerous, leaving more surgeries and their patients in peril.

“We are deeply concerned that this offer will leave more practices with no option but to close their doors. GP practices are being denied the resources they need to deliver vital services to the population.

“For years, the service has been starved of adequate funding which has led to the closure of 100 surgeries since 2012. This is having a devastating impact on general practice.

“A recent survey** of our members showed that 91% of GPs are routinely unable to meet patient demand due to unsustainably high workloads.

“With 100 fewer surgeries for patients to turn to, GPs are now seeing up to 35% more patients each, causing unsustainably high workloads and burnout with doctors being expected to do more with less, risking patient safety. How long can this continue?”

Dr Oelmann continued: “General Practice is the foundation of a high-quality, cost-effective health system, but successive governments have insisted on ignoring the vital role general practice plays in the national health service.

“Welsh Government had an opportunity to change the current trajectory but has failed to do so. It is now up to GPs to decide what happens next.”

Entertainment

Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience torock Tenby Blues Festival

Published

2 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE soulful, genre-bending blues act, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, is set to take the main stage on Friday at Tenby Blues Festival, bringing their high-energy mix of blues, rock, and soul.

Ranked #3 on both the Roots Music Report UK and the UK IBBA Most Played chart in September 2024, Pat Fulgoni’s latest album, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, has captured the hearts of blues lovers across the UK. Released on September 27, 2024, the album has received praise for its dynamic fusion of blues, funk, and soul. Tracks like “Drifter,” “Keep The Blues Alive,” and “Stickin’ the Knife in Blues” showcase Fulgoni’s powerful vocals, which have been hailed by Billboard magazine, describing him as a singer who “could sing a pearl from its oyster.”

The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience began as a spontaneous lineup supporting a food bank fundraiser in Huddersfield. Since then, Fulgoni and his band have performed at numerous blues festivals, from Colne Blues to Blues Alive in the Czech Republic, and have built a reputation as a sought-after live act. The band’s lineup features rising guitar talent Jacob Beckwith, alongside the rhythm section of bassist Rory Wells and drummer Zebedee Sylvester, with Sam Bolt on piano. Together, they deliver a distinctive blend of original tracks and classic covers, including “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Midnight Train.”

For fans of soulful, energetic blues, don’t miss Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience this Friday at Tenby Blues Festival. More information and music are available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other platforms.

Track Listing: