News

Fears over the future of our Town Centres

Published

13 years ago

August 30, 2013

The controversy and debate over town centre regeneration has been re-ignited by Michael Hughes, proprietor of soon to be closed Haverfordwest outlet, ‘Tom Hughes’, who criticised the local County Council for failing to support local businesses in Haverfordwest Town Centre. When speaking to Mr Hughes, he explained how local businesses are struggling,

“There is a lack of planning and vision for Haverfordwest (by Pembrokeshire County Council). Little has been done to help regenerate the town centre. Nice streets and flowers aren’t going to bring people to Haverfordwest. Tourists will not simply come just for Marks and Spencer, Next and Debenhams. They come (to towns like Haverfordwest) for different shops.”

According to Mr Hughes, the retail trade journal ‘Draper’, has claimed there is actually a rise in high street shopping. He also made reference to the rates, which he sees as very high; indeed, he believes they are more expensive per square metre than they are in Carmarthen and he criticised the rating policy set by The Welsh Assembly, complaining that the threshold for rate relief is far too low.

The Herald spoke with a number of shops in Haverfordwest Town centre with recurring themes of complaint about parking facilities in the town, the cost of rates and the closure of Ocky Whites and its effect on trade.

Indeed, only this week comes the announcement that J and G Bland (Motors) Limited, are to close their doors on September 6th. Speaking with another local paper, the owner, Alan Bland, cited high overheads, especially the rates, as the reason for closure. This demise of yet another established Haverfordwest company, one that has been trading in the town for over 130 years, having been established in 1875, will come as a further blow to those that wish to see more independant traders within the Town. The loss of this family business also sees the loss of another twenty jobs in the Town centre.

Jackie Westrup, Haverfordwest Town Mayor, stated,

“I will not run my town down or blame others for its plight but I do recognise the difficulties it is facing. My (Town) Council recognises the plight of our town centre but it also recognises that this is mainly due to the new shopping habits of people.”

She went on to say,

“We have great difficulty in understanding why the County Council wishes to develop a whole line of new shops by Bridge Street where the (current) businesses are struggling under high rates and rents. We consider it complete folly”.

Councillor David Howlett, leader of the Conservative Group on the County Council, commented upon the problem of perceived high rates in Haverfordwest.

“Business rates are the second largest expense (for a business) after wages, and this is set by the Welsh Government. The Welsh (Labour) Government could and should do more with that.”

He continued by explaining that a hardship fund is available to councils but that his worry is that, if a council started down that route, it might be difficult to know where to stop. He also pointed out that the Conservative Party have an Assembly policy for high street regeneration which, amongst other things, aims to tackle the problems with issues surrounding parking and rates, and would use Town Centre Managers to bring cohesion to the running of these centres. He finished by saying that,

“No one element will work by itself. It has to be a collaboration of local councils and the policies of Welsh Assembly Government and UK Government”.

Paul Davies, Welsh Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, commented by saying,

“Small businesses play such an important role in Pembrokeshire and by regenerating our local high streets, we can take a significant step forward in nurturing growth in our local economy, creating jobs and making Wales a more prosperous nation. The Welsh Government needs to make our high streets more accessible and more attractive, as well as tackling high vacancy rates before our high streets disappear altogether”

Councillor Paul Miller, leader of the Labour Group, takes a very different view when searching for a solution to the problem. As he explained,

“In 2010 Marks and Spencer moved to Pembrokeshire, opening a new store on the Withybush Retail Park. The Pembrokeshire Independent Group of councillors facilitated and welcomed this move. The reality is that Marks and Spencer moving to Haverfordwest was great news for shoppers, but, in allowing the store to locate outside of the town centre, Pembrokeshire County Council effectively called time on a vibrant and viable Haverfordwest. “

He went on to point out that, as he sees it, in the UK there are only a handful of ‘destination’ retail outlets, the likes of John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, for example, and that in a well planned venture such stores are used as ‘anchor stores’, generating, as he says, “footfall which can support and sustain neighbouring local retailers”.

He went on to lay out his, and Labour’s, vision for Haverfordwest.

“A Labour Council would engage directly with the major retailers still to develop a footprint in Pembrokeshire. We’d get from them just what it is they want- parking, floor area and adjacent facilities – and we’d produce one single master plan for Haverfordwest Town Centre. With pre-lets in place with retailers, we’d acquire the required real estate and provide the up-front capital funds to get construction underway”.

Asked whether he was concerned about the Welsh Labour Government’s business rate setting, he responded by claiming that business rates were a ‘smoke screen that the Council and its allies were using to cover up their failings’.

However, Councillor David Pugh, Cabinet Member for the Economy, poured scorn on Mr Miller’s viewpoint pointing out that Withybush Retail Park is privately owned and thus can allow any retailer to trade from its property as it so wishes; inferring that Labour’s plans would be impossible to impose. As well as this, he cited the cutbacks the County Council faces and doubted the electorate would support the use of Council funds in this way. On the subject of seemingly high rents, he explained that the County Council had no influence on rent set by private landlords. He also said that the business rates are set by the Welsh Assembly Government. He made reference to the business rate review document, published by Professor Brian Morgan in 2012, saying ‘it was a good report that called for the need for adjustment to business rates’, but stated that,

“Unfortunately the (Welsh) Assembly has decided to postpone this review until 2017”.

Councillor Pugh made it clear that he felt there should be an adjustment to the rates but that the Welsh Assembly Government had decided not to make that adjustment.

When asked whether his Independent Group may suffer from having no political voice within the Assembly, lacking, it would appear, a party manifesto, (as in past election literature the Independent Group has claimed to be ‘above’ party politics), Councillor Pugh simply stated that his Group had influence as a ‘political party’ and spoke often with the (Welsh) Assembly. He finished by saying that the regeneration of Pembrokeshire’s town centres was ‘at the top of the list’ and that the County Council would “engage with all aspects of Town to work in partnership to see what we can do”.

Finally, The Herald spoke exclusively with Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, who offered an alternative vision of how Haverfordwest, or indeed any town centre, could face this uncertain future.

“It is clear that every town centre, up and down the country, faces challenges. Somehow our town centres need to be developed and managed in a way that responds to those trends. In some towns the shopping area could be smaller with perhaps more residential and cultural facilities, for example, galleries and restaurants, replacing some retail outlets.”

He pointed out that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to town centres would not succeed and that policy should reflect this, with each individual town requiring individual solutions and continued by saying that,

“In future, County Councils need to work far more closely with Town Councils. When I go around Pembrokeshire it would be easy to be depressed, but there are people in our communities setting up new shops and trying to bring new retail to their communities.”

To this, he cited the new shops in Milford Haven and Haverfordwest, and the raised quality of their retail produce. Mr Crabb pointed out that those people willing to take risks are the people who need every bit of backing they can get from all aspects of Government. He finished by stating that,

“The future of town centres will not be in the hands of big business but in those of local entrepreneurs”.

Whatever may be the future of Haverfordwest, it may take a little bit more than the encumbant County Council’s ‘streetscape paint scheme’ or a lowering of business rates to regenerate these historic and essential community centres and, as Stephen Crabb suggests, a new approach may be necessary to restore our prestigious market town to its former glory.

Climate

Heatwave warning issued as Wales and England brace for temperatures nearing 38C

Published

6 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Met Office warns of oppressive heat, sleepless nights and potential disruption as rare amber alert extended

A RARE amber weather warning has been issued for large parts of England and Wales as forecasters predict what could become one of the hottest June heatwaves ever recorded in the UK.

The Met Office has extended its Extreme Heat Warning from Monday (June 22) through to Thursday (June 25), with temperatures expected to climb well above 35C and potentially reach 38C by the middle of the week.

Forecasters say the heatwave will intensify rapidly, with temperatures reaching around 32C on Monday before climbing to 35C and beyond on Tuesday and Wednesday. Parts of southeast Wales could see temperatures of around 35C, while southern England is expected to experience the highest values.

The warning covers much of England and Wales and has been described by the Met Office as a potentially significant weather event due to the combination of extreme temperatures and unusually high humidity.

June records under threat

Meteorologists say there is now a strong possibility that the UK’s June temperature record of 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976, could be broken this week.

The current forecast suggests Wednesday and Thursday will be the hottest days, with temperatures approaching 38C in some areas.

Tropical nights expected

One of the biggest concerns is the lack of overnight relief.

The Met Office is forecasting widespread “tropical nights” across southern parts of Britain, where temperatures remain above 20C throughout the night. High humidity levels are expected to make conditions feel particularly oppressive and may make sleeping difficult.

Health experts warn that prolonged hot nights can increase the risk of heat-related illness because the body has less opportunity to cool down and recover.

Health and travel concerns

The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts, warning of increased pressure on health and care services and elevated risks for older people, young children and those with existing health conditions.

The Met Office has also warned of possible impacts on transport networks, power supplies and water resources, with roads, railways and public infrastructure potentially affected by the prolonged heat.

Advice for Pembrokeshire residents

While coastal areas of west Wales are likely to remain somewhat cooler than inland locations, temperatures are still expected to be significantly above average for June.

Residents are being advised to:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours.
Check on elderly relatives, neighbours and vulnerable people.
Keep homes shaded during the day.
Take extra care around rivers, lakes and the coast, where cold water shock remains a risk despite the hot weather.

The heat is expected to ease later in the week, although forecasters say temperatures will remain above average and there remains some uncertainty over whether thunderstorms could develop as the hot spell breaks down.

Charity

Welsh gold prize helps Cancer Research Wales mark 60 years

Published

18 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A DIAMOND-set Welsh gold necklace donated by Clogau will headline a special fundraising raffle marking 60 years of Cancer Research Wales.

The award-winning jewellery brand has gifted the necklace as the grand prize in the charity’s inaugural 60th Anniversary Diamond Raffle, which will raise funds for research, diagnosis and treatment projects across Wales.

The prize was unveiled at Clogau’s Cardiff store by Cancer Research Wales ambassador and Miss United Kingdom Millie-Mae Adams, who received it on behalf of the charity.

Clogau, founded in North Wales, is internationally known for jewellery containing rare Welsh gold. Its heritage is closely linked to the Royal Family, with Welsh gold from the Clogau St David’s mine used in royal wedding rings for more than a century.

Ben Roberts, Managing Director of Clogau, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Cancer Research Wales as it celebrates this remarkable 60-year milestone.

“As a Welsh business with deep roots in our communities, we recognise the impact cancer has on families across the country and the importance of investing in research that can save and improve lives.

“We hope this beautiful Welsh gold necklace will help generate significant support for the raffle and encourage people to get behind the charity’s vital work.”

Millie-Mae, a proud Welsh speaker and doctor in training, is also the founder of Exeter Street Doctors, a charity which equips young people with lifesaving first aid skills.

She said: “As a proud ambassador of the charity, it is my privilege to play my part in Cancer Research Wales’s 60th anniversary and be here today to unveil the first prize in the 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – a stunning, diamond-set gold necklace, generously donated by Clogau.

“The gift of life and time with our loved ones is the most precious thing in the world, so please show your support for Cancer Research Wales’s life-saving and life-prolonging work today by entering the raffle.

“You could win this stunning Clogau gold necklace while helping to fund vital cancer research here in Wales.”

Millie-Mae also advocates for health education through her Medic Millie Mondays social media series and delivered the first Welsh-language Street Doctors session. Her work with Cancer Research Wales is shaped in part by her own family’s experience of cancer.

Lisa Buckley, Head of Income Generation at Cancer Research Wales, said: “I’m very grateful to Clogau and Millie-Mae Adams for supporting us to launch our 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – our first ever raffle, as we celebrate 60 years as the independent Welsh cancer research charity and 60 years of innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“Since 1966, we have invested £41.68 million to push the boundaries of cancer research discoveries here in Wales and we couldn’t have done that without the kindness of the Welsh public and our fantastic business community.

“Thank you for your support over the years and together we will unite Wales against cancer.”

Cancer Research Wales says the raffle will help support projects aimed at improving cancer outcomes for people across the country.

To enter the raffle, visit www.cancerresearch.wales.

Prize unveiled:

Miss United Kingdom Millie-Mae Adams received the necklace on behalf of Cancer Research Wales at Clogau’s Cardiff store (Pic: Paul Fears).

Charity

Voices at the Castle hailed a huge success for Paul Sartori Foundation

Published

37 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEMORABLE evening of music, warmth and community spirit filled Pembroke Castle as Voices at the Castle was hailed a huge success.

The event, held on Saturday (Jun 13), brought together local performers, an international star and a strong audience in one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic settings, all in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the historic castle, the evening offered an uplifting celebration of live music and charity. Organisers said the relaxed atmosphere, sunny setting and quality of performances helped make it a night to remember.

The event opened with Pembrokeshire Pop Voices, who entertained the audience with an upbeat set including their charity single Love the Bones of You.

They were followed by Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, who delivered a rousing selection of classic male voice choir favourites, with many in the audience joining in.

The Paul Sartori Community Choir also impressed in one of its first outdoor performances, with a confident and spirited set which included a standout rendition of an ELO classic.

Bella Voce added to the occasion with a varied programme of melodic songs, their harmonies carrying beautifully around the castle walls.

Headline act Russell Watson brought the evening to a powerful close, captivating the crowd with his humour, warmth and remarkable voice.

His set included a mixture of classical and contemporary songs, with the audience joining him for a singalong of Volare before dancing along as the evening built to its finale.

He ended the night with a moving dedication to Paul Sartori staff, performing Someone to Remember Me.

Organisers also praised compere Rod Haynes, whose warmth, humour and natural stage presence helped the event run smoothly and created a welcoming atmosphere for all.

The charity said it remained extremely disappointed that Rock the Ramparts, due to take place on the Friday evening, could not go ahead.

High winds meant it was not possible to safely install the stage roof and associated sound equipment, forcing the cancellation of the event on health and safety grounds.

The charity thanked the bands The Candy Skulls, The Cleddau Kings, Milly and The Bandits, and Saltwater for their understanding, generosity and the time they had put into rehearsing and preparing.

Thanks were also given to the staging and lighting teams, who worked throughout the day in an effort to make the event happen despite the challenging conditions.

Special thanks were extended to staff at Pembroke Castle for their continued support and for providing the setting, as well as Wayne and the team at EPS, Magnum Sound, Bluesky Marquees, Merts Medical, Elite Security, Joshua Bennet and David Halsted for their contributions to food and drink provision.

The charity also thanked Ian Richards for photographing the event on behalf of Paul Sartori.

A spokesperson said Voices at the Castle stood as a testament to what could be achieved through collaboration, dedication and a shared love of live music, adding that organisers hoped the night would live long in the memory of those who attended.

The Paul Sartori Foundation, which operates as Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, provides end-of-life care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it is keen to dispel the belief that it is only a cancer charity, with almost a third of those it supports having a non-cancer diagnosis.

It operates an open referral system, with referrals coming from patients, family members, friends, district nurses, palliative care specialists and hospital staff.

The foundation was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

Photo caption: Jon Williams from Pembroke Castle with Laura Hugman, CEO of the Paul Sartori Foundation, team members and headline act Russell Watson.