News

‘Fishguard Marina: Bring it on!’

Published

9 years ago

February 2, 2016

Fishguard Harbour Marina: Conygar’s plans

NEW plans have been submitted for the Fishguard Marina project by Conygar Stena Line Limited after locals wait for news for over a decade.

Planning and marine licence applications have been submitted to the Marine Management Organisation for the the first phase of the Fishguard Harbour Marina project by Conygar Stena Line Limited, a joint venture between The Conygar Investment Company PLC and Stena Line.

This consists of the construction of two new breakwaters, revetments and an 8 hectare reclamation platform, 1.4 hectares of which would be allocated for the future port development works and the remainder for the residential and marina related development.

In addition, the proposed development will include the construction of a marina basin to accommodate 345 berths and an approach channel to provide all tide access.The first phase of the development would also include a public slipway, a boat hoist and a service quay for local fishing boats.

The Fishguard Marina proposal has been in the news since late 2003 with locals eagerly awaiting solid information on the sites development ever since.

Both Conygar and Stena Line believe that this exciting regeneration scheme will be a major boost to the economy of the area, creating an exciting visitor destination together with much needed employment opportunities.

The granting of a planning consent will allow for a reconfiguration and expansion of the port facilities to deliver further economic and commercial benefits and reaffirm the Stena Line commitment to ensuring Fishguard remains a thriving port.

The end value of the development is expected to be in excess of £100 million. The Crown Estate, owners of the sea bed, and Pembrokeshire County Council who own much of the surrounding harbour area, have welcomed the proposals and Neil Jacobson, Head of Coastal Operations, said:“The proposed redevelopment would bring considerable long-term economic benefit to the area and we are pleased that this exciting proposal has been submitted to the County Council for consideration.”

Michael McGrath, Stena Line Area Director, commented: “We look forward to working with all the relevant parties concerned to move these projects forward which are critical to our business and the local economy.”

Robert Ware, CEO of Conygar said: “The submission of these applications for the construction of the infrastructure which includes two breakwaters, dredging the marina basin and so creating a platform for the housing, is an important further step towards Conygar being able to deliver the residential development and the marina with its ancillary facilities.”

“Bring it on!” Said local man and Sea Trust founder Cliff Benson: “I think it will create jobs and if done sensitively and sustainably will greatly enhance Goodwick and Fishguard, We have been advising Conygar on conservation Issues as well as conducting surveys.

“We will continue to be consulted as to the ongoing protection of the marine wildlife of the area which Conygar is keen to take on board.” He added.

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

31 mins 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.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

57 mins ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”

News

Protest in Lampeter to save Wales’ oldest university

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Wales’ oldest university staged a march and demonstration last Friday (Dec 20) in a bid to highlight the plight of the Lampeter campus.

The protest, organised by the Lampeter Society, brought together former and current students, along with local residents, to oppose plans by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) to relocate humanities courses to Carmarthen next September.

The rally began at Lampeter Rugby Club at 10:30am, with demonstrators marching to the university campus. Despite the timing—on a weekday and so close to Christmas—organisers reported a strong turnout.

Ieuan Davies, one of the organisers and a Lampeter alumnus from the 1980s, said: “We wanted to show support for the students whose education is being directly affected by these plans, and to remind decision-makers of the devastating impact this will have on the local economy and culture.”

Established in 1822, Lampeter is Wales’ oldest higher education institution. In 2009, it merged with Trinity College Carmarthen and later joined with Swansea Metropolitan University to form UWTSD.

The proposed relocation of the humanities faculty has sparked concerns about the long-term sustainability of higher education in Lampeter. Campaigners argue that losing the faculty would mark the end of over 200 years of academic heritage in the town.

The Lampeter Society has also launched a petition calling on the university and the Welsh Government to create a ‘viable, sustainable plan’ for the campus’s future. The petition requires 10,000 signatures to trigger a debate in the Senedd and can be accessed at https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246410.