Community
WI members strut their stuff
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THE PEMBROKESHIRE WI presented a £1,000 cheque to the Haverfordwest Skatepark Association on Thursday (Feb 18).
These funds came partly from two Pembrokeshire WI Fashion Shows that took place in Debenhams towards the end of 2015, but also from other events held in the County to celebrate the Centenary of the WI in England and Wales.
These included a Centenary Produce Exhibition held at Scolton Manor, a trip around the Pembrokeshire Islands on the Waverley Paddle Steamer and a special Anniversary Service at St David’s Cathedral.
WI members from across the county attended the Fashion Shows, with WI members and staff at Debenhams store as models. All members who attended paid a small entrance fee, and it was agreed that all money raised would be donated to Haverfordwest Skatepark Association, which they felt was a “marvellous” free facility for all age groups.
Ann Newbury, the then Chairlady of the Pembrokeshire WI said: “We are delighted to have raised these funds and to be able to see a local cause benefit from them. We hope our donation will contribute to the ongoing success of this wonderful facility.”
“Our thanks go to the wonderful Debenhams team who help us organise the event and use their store and fashion items as well as to all the lovely WI and Debenhams models and, not forgetting all the WI members who came along to really make the event, one to remember!”
Geraint Williams, Chairman of the Haverfordwest Skatepark Association (HSA) said: “After many years of the HSA planning, applying for grants and securing land for the skatepark to be built, it is fantastic to see the skatepark being such a success, and continuing to attract people both locally and from away.”
“It has become a real feature of our county and is gaining respect as a skatepark to visit in the wheeled sports world.”
“The HSA are keen for the skatepark to continue as a community run facility, to enable it to remain floodlit and free to access for everyone. The support of community groups, such as the Pembrokeshire WI, is fantastic, and we are extremely grateful for this £1000 donation from them.”
Mary Owen, Store Trainer, Debenhams said: “At Debenhams we do our best to raise money and awareness for worthwhile causes. Our store in Haverfordwest is a big supporter of local charities and we were delighted to support the fundraising event for the Haverfordwest Skatepark.”
Community
Fishguard carpenter building site could become police base
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A SCHEME to convert a former carpenter’s workshop in a Pembrokeshire town to a unit for patrolling police officers has been submitted to county planners.
The Dyfed Powys Police application to Pembrokeshire County Council seeks permission for the change of use at Unit 3, Feidr Castell, Fishguard.
A supporting statement by agents Asbri Planning Ltd said the unit would be used by local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
It adds: “The unit was formerly used by a carpenter, however, due to the unit now being vacant Dyfed Powys Police, as part of their ongoing efforts to create comfortable working spaces for PCSOs, have declared a strong interest in purchasing the property to create a base/hub for patrolling officers.”
It concludes: “The change of use of the building would allow Dyfed Powys Police to provide a base for their PCSOs in the area. The external alterations are limited to a new door along the western elevation and the only other changes that would be required are internal alterations which fall under permitted development rights.
“The approval of the application would allow a vacant unit to be utilised and would assist Dyfed Powys Police in providing a safe environment for their staff.”
Dyfed-Powys Police recently submitted an application for a change of use of the former Public Information Centre, Argyle Street, Pembroke Dock to a police station.
In that application, it said its current station in the town’s Water Street is “no longer fit for purpose,” with the force declaring a strong interest in purchasing the Argyle Street property “to enable a more efficient building to house their new model hub for policing”.
Both applications will be considered by planners at a later date.
Community
Growing concerns over fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire
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THE ONGOING issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire continues to spark frustration and safety concerns among residents, with local authorities working to find a resolution.
County Councillor Jonathan Grimes (Pembroke St Mary South & Monkton) has been engaging with residents, Pembrokeshire County Council, and Dyfed-Powys Police to address the increasing problem of loose horses, particularly on St Daniels Hill. The presence of unmonitored horses poses a significant risk to road users and property owners.
One affected resident shared their experience, expressing frustration over repeated incidents involving loose horses damaging their property. “All I can say is when I looked out the window, I saw two horses running around my property and ran outside, where I saw the police.
“I told them that they were not mine and that it was the second time the horses had been at my property in less than 24 hours.
“It took the police and members of the public around 30 minutes to catch them.
“The road on St Daniels Hill was closed off.
“What happened to the horses afterwards, I couldn’t tell you, as I was trying to keep my children and dogs inside the house while the police dealt with it.”
Authorities have assured residents that they are working on a solution to prevent further occurrences. However, questions remain as to whether enough is being done to tackle the persistent problem.
Residents affected by fly-grazing incidents are encouraged to report concerns to Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police as efforts to address the issue continue.
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Community
Portfield Fair could return to St Thomas Green
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HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL wants to bring a popular fair back to St Thomas Green this year.
At its meeting on Thursday, February 20, councillors discussed potential locations for the Portfield Fair, due to take place in October.
Despite last year’s successful event at Rifleman Field Car Park, councillors agreed that St Thomas Green would be the preferred venue.
Cllr Randell Thomas Turner said: “The feedback on bringing the Portfield Fair back to St Thomas Green has been positive. We should push to have it back there.”
However, some councillors also acknowledged the benefits of holding the event at Rifleman Field Car Park, where last year’s fair was well attended.
Discussions will continue in the coming months before a final decision is made.
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