News

Haverfordwest: Refrigeration unit hampers council

Published

9 years ago

December 4, 2015

THE COUNCIL is to look at buying the old Woolworths store in Haverfordwest in order to progress plans for a proposed footpath from Castle Lake car park to Castle Square.

At a meeting of the Cabinet on Monday (Nov 30), the council heard how a ‘trivial’ refrigeration unit is hampering the council from progressing with the plans.

Council Leader Jamie Adams asked for the Director of Development to look into the possibility of buying the store to help get rid of the unit and open up the path.

Cllr Simon Hancock said: “At the moment it is seen as squalor and it looks dreadful.”

Cllr Keith Lewis said: “This is a most frustrating situation that we find ourselves in and this originated from a notice of motion from Cllr Tom Tudor but you’ll see from the dates in the report that we have been batting this one backwards and forward for a long time.

“The current position is that following a takeover within the budget shop areas where Poundland have taken over 99p stores the operating of the 99p store has moved into another portfolio of stores.

“Despite repeated approaches we have continually failed to get to an agreement regarding an element that is most trivial because all that is required to put in place this link is that we need to remove one element from the side of the building, a refrigeration condenser, approximately half a day’s work.

“This is most frustrating because it not only stops a project but it is a project that is important for the regeneration of Haverfordwest because it provides an ideal link from the castle down into Castle Square, Bridge Street and so on.

“The best that we have at the moment is that the people have said they will look at it in the New Year but I find that unacceptable.”

Cllr Simon Hancock said: “This link pathway has been under discussion for years and I know that this authority has been very frustrated at the inability to progress this.

“Visitors to Haverfordwest go up past this store but they are greeted with a site of dereliction, an absolute eyesore. We could remove that and have a linkway so people can park in Castle Lake car park and walk through into Castle Square. It would be a huge benefit to the town.”

Cllr Rob Lewis added: “It is seen from all involved in the town, and in the chamber of trade, as a really important step forward for the town. They are really keen to see this access improved an opened up.

“It is extremely frustrating that we find ourselves with such a trivial thing as the refrigeration unit that means we can’t proceed.”

Council Leader Jamie Adams said this had been discussed for eight to ten years describing it was ‘an awfully long time’.

He added: “Perhaps it is time to take the matter under our own control recognising that the store in question, the old Woolworths store, is an extremely strategically important site in Haverfordwest and does have the opportunity to, if control could be taken of the site, to deliver an anchor store in the centre of the town with good links from the car park.”

The leader changed the recommendation, asking the Director of Development to look at the possibility of making a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on the store.

Cllr Keith Lewis welcomed the idea and said it would send out a positive message that the authority was committed to working with the town team to improving and regenerating the centre of Haverfordwest.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

10 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.