News

A ‘poorly planned’ pavement

Published

9 years ago

February 29, 2016

New path: Requiring the tearing up of the central reservation

ON TUESDAY (Feb 9) The Herald was made aware of road works going on outside of a farm at the top of Pope Hill, Haverfordwest, which were described as ‘badly planned and a waste of Welsh tax payers money’ by farm owners.

The controversial new road works which are being completed by Atkins Contractors have been commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council to dig up an existing central reservation separating the main A4076 road into Haverfordwest and a lay-by.

Formerly, members of the public (which farm owner Andrew Clark said you can count daily on one hand), had to walk around the outer perimeter of the lay-by before rejoining the section of pavement without crossing the path of traffic.

However with the new layout, College students, parents and cyclists will be forced to cross both the entrance and exit of the lay-by along the busy main road.

Andrew Clark said: “These works are going ahead and we haven’t even been consulted with, or notified.”

“They are going to have to dig up and remove a small portion of my land to join this new pavement to the current path, which isn’t as much my issue as the cost of the whole job which I expect will be a six-figure contract.” He added.

Mrs Clark said: “They could have spent the funds much more wisely.” She explained: “The new supermarket in Johnston is great, but for years it has had the problem of people abusing the large pavement area in front of it, instead of making use of the shops large car park.”

She continued: “Many times I have been there and seen cars wrongly parked, which has forced prams and mobility scooter to have to walk around very near to the road, once I’ve even seen a car pull up so close to the cash point on the outer wall of the shop that they leaned out to withdraw cash without having to leave their car.

“Why are funds not spent on things which matter like preventing this happening?”

The couple explained how Dredgmen Hill the opposite side of the hill crest has a cycle path running it’s length, which stops at the lay-by which they are working on.

Mrs Clark explained: “Everyone we’ve contacted about this has said that they are not looking to make the pavement along Johnston side of the hill into a cycle path.”

She said how that would be a very wise way to spend a small amount of funds as it would force the council to have pavement indicators of their three property exits, which are currently not labelled to the cyclists who ride very quickly down the hill.

Mr Clark said: “Sometimes I’ve been leaving and cyclists not paying full attention have had to last minute swerve behind my car, it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident.”

On Tuesday afternoon Mr and Mrs Clarke were approached by a spokesperson from Atkins Contractors who presented a letter which should have been sent out prior to works beginning and sat down to explain what was happening.

Johnston Cllr Ken Rowlands speaking about the cash point parking issue said: “I raised this issue six to nine months ago and they are dragging their feet, I have seen young children with their parents forced to walk close to the road by vehicles.”

He was also contacted by the Clarks, but initially had no idea about the road works, so got in touch with Trunk Road Agency who have said they will be more transparent in the future: “I remember before when there was a lot of communication between Pembrokeshire County Council and the agency, and both used to work very closely, but more recently this has not been there. They have assured me that this will improve.”

After the current works are completed on the lay-by works will begin on another further along the road towards Haverfordwest.

The spokesperson for Atkins explained this is to join the path between Haverfordwest and Johnston as these were previously the only two breaks. They did not address the continuation of the cycle path.

Speaking on the specifically highlighted areas, Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Our road safety and traffic manger has recently met with the local member to discuss putting up bollards in John Street and he has also arranged to meet with the town council along with the local member later this month to look at putting additional double yellow lines in the town. Civil Enforcement Officers are regularly deployed to the area.”

News

Young Changemakers Drive Wales Toward a Net Zero Future

Published

5 mins ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AS world leaders gathered at COP29 to address global climate challenges, young people in Wales were making their own mark on the path to a greener future. The Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon, held last Friday, showcased the ingenuity, passion, and practical solutions of 26 young finalists from across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

This flagship event, hosted by Pembrokeshire-based education enterprise Cymbrogi Futures, is part of a year-long programme empowering young learners with the skills and confidence to tackle climate challenges head-on.

THE WINNING IDEA: FAIR FASHION

The team from Queen Elizabeth High School, Carmarthenshire, stole the show with their innovative project addressing fast fashion waste. Their idea? Personalised soft toys crafted from discarded fabric destined for landfill. By engaging with local businesses and charity shops, the team not only demonstrated creativity but also gained practical insights into the environmental impact of textile waste.

Nia John, lead teacher for the team, shared: “This project allowed us to incorporate real-world learning into the classroom. Pupils were thrilled to interact with industry experts, growing their ideas through meaningful collaboration.”

Ariana, the team leader, reflected: “I enjoyed learning skills like collaboration and creativity, which will help me in the future. This experience has inspired me to start our school’s Climate Action group.”

OTHER FINALISTS: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Equally impressive was Milford Haven School’s ‘Cafe Cleddau’, a visionary concept featuring a solar-powered boat to connect communities along the Haven waterway. With sustainable snacks, a soft-play area, and hydro-powered backup systems, the idea aimed to revolutionise tourism and nightlife in the region.

All finalist teams received vouchers for the ethical online store Social Supermarket, while the winning team took home a £300 cash prize to fund biodiversity projects at their school.

BUILDING A NET ZERO FUTURE

Cymbrogi’s founder, Liza Lort-Phillips, underlined the importance of initiatives like Tomorrow’s Changemakers:
“Today’s learners will face far greater challenges in a climate-changed world than any of us. By sparking their imaginations now, we can equip them to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

The programme was supported by major partners, including the Port of Milford Haven and Cwm Environmental, who provided real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities in Wales’ green economy.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, remarked: “This initiative is vital. Empowering the next generation with green skills and confidence ensures they are ready to lead the charge toward a net-zero future.”

A COMMUNITY-ROOTED CHALLENGE

The hackathon is the culmination of a three-stage learning journey inspired by the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the UN Global Goals. The programme began with an online course introducing topics such as the circular economy and systems thinking, followed by mini-challenges rooted in real-world scenarios in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Learners explored diverse challenges, including:

Sustainable Tourism: Imagining a car-free holiday in Milford Haven.
Energy: Exploring renewable solutions for rural Wales.
Fashion: Tackling fast fashion waste.

The finalists worked with industry experts, visiting sites such as the Port of Milford Haven and Cwm Environmental to gain hands-on experience.

A CALL TO ACTION

Samuel Kurtz, MS for South Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, praised the event:
“The curiosity and ingenuity of these students are truly inspiring. Their ambition shows they are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. Initiatives like this are essential for building a resilient and sustainable future.”

Cymbrogi Futures hopes to expand the programme to schools across Wales, with plans to reach Wrexham and Neath Port Talbot in 2025.

As Wales leads the charge toward a net-zero future, the Tomorrow’s Changemakers programme reminds us that the solutions of tomorrow lie in the hands of today’s young minds.

Pictured above: Young innovators: Queen Elizabeth High students celebrate their Fair Fashion project victory (Pic: MHPA).

Community

Port supports Cruising Free’s Atlantic Dash with donation of safety equipment

Published

17 mins ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced a donation of vital safety equipment to support local group Cruising Free, who will be embarking on a challenging 3,200-mile rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The crew of Cruising Free will row from Lanzarote to Antigua to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Port of Milford Haven’s donation includes a comprehensive range of safety gear designed to support the crew’s journey and ensure their safety during this extraordinary expedition. Items provided include:

Flare Kit
Satellite Phone
VHF Radios
First Aid Kits
GPS Equipment
Lights
Safety Lines
And more

The Port of Milford Haven, the UK’s leading energy Port, is committed to supporting local maritime initiatives. This donation is a key part of the Port’s ongoing efforts to promote safety in all aspects of maritime activity, particularly for adventurous projects like Atlantic Dash.

“We are proud to support the amazing crew of Cruising Free as they undertake this monumental challenge,” said Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven. “Safety is paramount for anyone taking to the sea, and we hope that the equipment we’ve provided will support them as they navigate the Atlantic. Their journey will not only raise vital funds for two incredibly worthwhile causes but also inspire people across the UK and beyond. We are excited to be part of their journey and wish them the very best of luck.”

The Atlantic Dash will see the team of experienced rowers tackle the gruelling transatlantic journey, which is expected to take several weeks. The funds raised by Cruising Free will directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which supports research and care for people living with cystic fibrosis, and the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which provides specialist palliative care services to individuals in West Wales.

“We are truly and eternally grateful to Port of Milford Haven who have provided us with the essential safety equipment needed to embark on our 3,200 mile journey from Lanzarote to Antigua. We are hoping not to need to use the flares or safety lines, but the satellite phone and VHF radio will keep us connected with land and loved-ones through the entire 2-month journey. Thank you!” said Polly Zipperlen, team member of Cruising Free.

Cruising Free’s row across the Atlantic will begin in January 2025, and the crew’s journey will be tracked in real time to allow supporters to follow their progress. The team is already actively fundraising and plans to hold several community events in the lead-up to their departure.

To learn more about Cruising Free’s Atlantic Row and how you can support their cause, visit their Linktree here.

News

A48 closed in both directions following two crashes near Cross Hands

Published

21 mins ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE A48 near Cross Hands remains closed in both directions after two separate crashes on Thursday evening (Nov 14).

Drivers are being urged to avoid the area as congestion continues to build.

The eastbound closure stretches from the A476 Llandeilo Road (Cross Hands Roundabout) to Heol-Y-Deri (Cwmgwili Junction).

Meanwhile, the westbound section is closed between the M4 at Pont Abraham Roundabout and the A476 at Cross Hands.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed its attendance at the scene, noting that one of the crashes involved a single vehicle. Emergency services are currently working to clear the area.

Congestion has been reported on surrounding routes, including the A483 towards the Pont Abraham Interchange, the M4 leading to the interchange, and the A476 towards Cross Hands Roundabout.

At 9:50pm, the A48 was still closed in both directions. Earlier reports at 7:03pm confirmed the eastbound closure was due to a single-vehicle collision. Google Maps highlighted heavy traffic on nearby roads as drivers sought alternative routes.

By 9:30pm, traffic on surrounding roads had eased slightly, but delays persist as the main route remains inaccessible.

Motorists are advised to check for updates before planning their journeys and to follow diversions where possible.